Hafthor Bjornsson, widely recognized as “The Mountain” from the television series Game of Thrones, recently posted a photograph of himself engaging in a game of basketball at the age of 19, appearing drastically different and 14 stone lighter. This revelation offers a captivating glimpse into the extraordinary physical transformation that the renowned actor and strongman has undergone throughout the years.
During his formative years, the now 35-year-old Bjornsson harbored ambitions of pursuing a career in basketball and even represented Iceland’s youth teams. However, a severe ankle injury at the age of 20 compelled him to retire from the sport, effectively dashing his aspirations of becoming a professional basketball player.
Following a period of recuperation from his injury, Bjornsson redirected his focus towards rigorous bodybuilding and strongman training. His unwavering dedication to this new pursuit is evidenced by his remarkable physical metamorphosis, as evidenced by the striking disparity between his former self as a teenage basketball athlete and his current formidable physique as a renowned strongman competitor.
Bjornsson’s shift in focus and steadfast commitment to his training regimen has yielded remarkable achievements in the realm of strongman competitions. Notably, he accomplished the astonishing feat of securing victories in the Arnold Strongman Classic, Europe’s Strongest Man, and the World’s Strongest Man competitions – all within the same calendar year.
The actor-turned-strongman has candidly expounded upon the immense effort required to maintain his colossal physique, which entailed consuming an astonishing 10,000 calories per day over a period of two years. His dietary regimen encompassed six to eight wholesome meals on a daily basis, with breakfast typically comprising of eggs, bacon, French toast, and orange juice.
In a recent career trajectory shift, Bjornsson has redirected his focus towards the sport of boxing, prompting alterations to his training routine and a reduction in his daily calorie intake to 5,000. In anticipation of his venture into boxing, he has implemented a demanding training schedule consisting of two sessions daily, incorporating boxing practice, weight training, and endurance exercises.
Bjornsson’s evolution from a promising basketball athlete to a celebrated strongman and actor stands as a testament to his unyielding determination and resilience in surmounting career setbacks. His narrative serves as an inspiration, epitomizing the astounding capacity for transformation through diligence and commitment.