Strongman Champ Mitchell Hooper Acknowledges Thor Bjornsson’s Deadlift Prowess: “Don’t Think Anyone Is Catching”

Although Mitchell Hooper lost his World’s Strongest Man title this year, the strongman is determined to keep improving. The Canadian strongman posted his deadlift progress by lifting 886 lbs (402kg) for two reps. Although it didn’t seem easy, the former two-time WSM champ has made progress. However, Hooper’s video prompted one fan to compare him to Hafthor Bjornsson.

“Good response to Thor’s recent double,” commented the fan on Mitchell Hooper’s Instagram post. The fan referred to the 2018 World’s Strongest Man winner’s immense 903lb (410kg) deadlift. The Mountain posted the deadlift about a week ago on June 14. However, Bjornsson didn’t look to have required as much effort to lift heavier than Hooper.

In a rare occurrence, Mitchell Hooper responded to the fan and tagged him to clear the misconception. “Nope. Just training,” was the 28-year-old’s response. “I don’t think anyone is catching @thorbjornsson in the deadlift,” added the two-time World’s Strongest Man. While the 28-year-old strength athlete is dedicated to improving his craft, he has admitted defeat in the deadlift.

“I’m just happy to witness greatness and work hard for 2nd,” wrote the WSM winner. Bjornsson has been nursing himself back from a devastating pec tear that he suffered last year. So the strongman from Iceland is yet to reach his previous prime. The 903lb deadlift was only a milestone to reaching over 1000lb. Bjornsson has no plans to slow down.

In his video from a week ago, Thor said that he is preparing for the Shaw Classic. “Body and mind are both 100%! You all will see FULLTHOR for the first time!… I’m coming back stronger than ever before,” the champion strongman wrote. Earlier today, he announced an even more massive attempt.

Why Mitchell Hooper didn’t challenge Hafthor Bjornsson

The 35-year-old former champion posted yet another deadlift video on Instagram earlier today. The strongman deadlifted 683.4lb for four reps with ease. “Light deadlifts this week. 310kg x 4 reps 3 sets,” Bjornsson captioned the post. However, he announced that next week he plans to lift a mindboggling 959 lbs. “Next week we go heavy. 435kg x 1!!!” The Mountain announced.

Although Mitchell Hooper is known for making rapid improvements, he understood it would be futile to chase and defeat Hafthor Bjornsson at arguably his best discipline. So, instead of challenging or responding to Hafthor Bjornsson’s monstrous deadlift, the strongman icon wants to stay in his lane. Hooper is also training for the Shaw Classic and will look to defeat Thor in other lifts. However, only time will tell who comes out on top.