Thor Bjornsson joins ‘Olympics on Steroids’ after British runner sparks fury by signing up | Other | Sport

Game of Thrones actor and Icelandic strongman Hafthir Julius Bjornsson has announced his intention to compete in the Enhanced Games. The competition will see athletes compete without restrictions on performance-enhancing drugs, with the inaugural edition set to take place in Las Vegas later this year.

Icelandic media outlets are reporting that Bjornsson is intending to compete, with the hardman renowned for his big weight-lifting ability. Over the course of his weight-lifting career, Bjornsson has broken 129 world records, including recent attempts at a deadlift world record. He lifted 505 kilograms in Germany in July and then 510 kilograms in Birmingham in September.

Speaking to TMZSports, he explained: “I’m stoked, honoured and happy that I have the ability to break the record again. I just know that I’m going to break the record. I’m really, really confident in my ability to do so. I have roughly 19 weeks right now until I break that, and I cannot wait.

“I’m very convinced in my capability to pull more, and I truly believe that I am capable of pulling, if I want to and my desire really wants to, I can pull this record to 550kg. I believe that I can – I’m not saying that I will pull 550 on May 24. I’m saying that if I wanted to pull it to the absolute limits, I am capable of that. But on May 24, I’m going to be smart and I’m going to think long term, so I most likely will only go for 515.”

If he were to replicate that at the Games in Las Vegas, he would secure himself a hefty payout from the organisers. It’s claimed that Bjornsson, who featured as an actor in Game of Thrones, could pocket around £186,000 for a successful world record attempt.

He’s the latest in a line of high-profile list of entrants, including Great British sprinter, Reece Prescod. He had announced plans to retire last year, after a career that included three World Championships and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

However, Prescod is keen to get back on the track, starting with the Enhanced Games. Speaking after the announcement, he said: «I’m very excited to join the sprinting field and compete in the inaugural Enhanced Games. I’m eager to push myself to new heights in Las Vegas and race against my fellow sprinters. This is a new chapter for me, and I’m excited to be part of something where I feel valued and talent is recognised.»

The decision has sparked backlash from the sporting world, with UK Athletics chief, Jack Buckner, responding: «As a former athlete, I find this particularly appalling. Those of us who have competed know what it takes to succeed the right way – through talent, dedication, and respect for the rules. To see a British athlete aligning themselves with an event that celebrates the use of performance-enhancing drugs is profoundly disappointing.»