“One of the Hardest in My Career”: Hafthor Bjornsson Shares Optimistic Message Moments After Coming Fourth at Arnold Strongman Classic 2024

The Arnold Classic 2024 marked the return of three-time champion Hafthor Bjornsson. The former World’s Strongest Man winner wanted to make a triumphant return but was happy with his fourth-place finish at the Arnold Strongman Classic. If you’re wondering why, then the answer is the many unforeseen challenges that he had to overcome in 2023.

The legendary strongman announced his plan to return in early 2023. After retiring in 2020, Hafthor Bjornsson dabbled into boxing and transformed his physique. However, in early 2023, the Icelandic strongman decided to come out of retirement and prep for an entire year before competing again. However, the WSM winner wrote about how 2023 was a tough year.

Hafthor Bjornsson had to overcome challenges he never saw coming

In his Instagram post, The Mountain wrote, “4th place, and I can’t ask for more!” While this might sound pessimistic for a former champion who strived to break records, Hafthor Bjornsson couldn’t give 100% at the contest. “I’d be lying if I said this prep hasn’t been one of the hardest in my career,” wrote the 35-year-old strongman.

Thor recounted how difficult the preparation was after congratulating champion Mitchell Hooper, runner-up Mateusz Kieliszkowski, and bronze medalist Tom Stoltman. The Icelander started his long prep in 2023 with high spirits. He aimed to beat the powerlifting world record in his weight class before returning to strongman. However, disaster struck during a meeting.

Hafthor Bjornsson suffered a massive pec tear during a powerlifting competition in his gym. He required surgery, and everyone assumed that he wouldn’t be able to return anytime soon. However, the strong athlete was back in the gym earlier than anyone thought possible. Yet Bjornsson’s trials would end with a pec tear.

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In November 2023, the strongman suffered another loss when his wife, Kelsey Henson, had a stillbirth. It took a massive emotional toll as the couple mourned their loss. Despite the challenges, Bjornsson competed, and despite the injury he suffered ten months ago, he pulled 1006 lbs during the deadlift. However, Bjornsson also said he couldn’t have done it alone.

The mountain thanked everyone who kept him going

The champion strongman thanked everyone, from the organizers to the volunteers from the Arnold Classic to Rouge Fitness and friends, family, and fans. “You all keep me going and give me that extra push I need!” the Icelandic strongman wrote in his post. However, Hafthor Bjornsson gave special thanks to his wife.

Despite losing their child and “crazy career decisions,” Kelsey Henson stood by and supported her husband. While Hafthor Bjornsson has won the World’s Strongest Man contest, his wife is “one of the strongest people” he has ever known. Hence, while it might sound shocking for a champion like Hafthor Bjornsson to be happy about placing fourth, all things considered, one might even call it a triumphant return.

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