Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson

Björnsson participated in the first Enhanced Games, a competition permitting substances banned in conventional sport under a medical protocol, and unsuccessfully attempted a 515 kg deadlift.

State of the evidence

participation, record attempt and permitted use of performance-enhancing substances documented

Legal status — source text

no violation of Enhanced Games rules, which permit certain PEDs

Attribution

direct personal responsibility for his participation and acknowledged use within this framework

Björnsson lifted 501 kg in his own gym during an event organised amid the pandemic. Eddie Hall and others challenged the legitimacy of a record achieved outside a traditional competition.

State of the evidence

broadcast lift, record recognition and debate over conditions documented

Legal status — source text

Guinness recognises the weight as the heaviest deadlift; Eddie Hall's competition record remains a separate category

Attribution

personal responsibility for claiming the record; no manipulation established

In an E:60 interview, Björnsson answered 'Yes, I have' when asked whether he had used steroids, adding that sometimes one had to do whatever it took to become the best.

State of the evidence

direct admission documented

Legal status — source text

no specific disciplinary sanction identified; he claims never to have failed a test

Attribution

direct personal responsibility for admitted use

A former partner filed a complaint against Björnsson, including an allegation of unlawful deprivation of liberty, while the mother of his daughter publicly described violence during their relationship.

State of the evidence

complaint from a former partner, testimony from another and denial documented

Legal status — source text

no criminal conviction identified

Attribution

allegations personally targeting Björnsson; no guilt presented as established

Björnsson finished one point behind Eddie Hall after a repetition in the Viking Press was disallowed. He claimed he had been 'robbed' and questioned the sport's integrity.

State of the evidence

result, official protest and remarks documented

Legal status — source text

sporting appeal dismissed; Eddie Hall remained champion

Attribution

personal responsibility for accusations concerning the refereeing