Standing at an incredible 2.06 meters tall and weighing close to 195 kilograms, Hafthor Björnsson truly looks like a man from ancient legends. With his massive frame and chiseled physique, it’s no surprise he earned the nickname “The Mountain.” The name doesn’t just refer to his size — it also reflects his reputation in the world of strength sports. Hafthor made history as one of the strongest men to ever compete, setting records and collecting titles that seemed almost superhuman.
But beyond his intimidating appearance lies a completely different side to the man — gentle, loyal, and unexpectedly soft-spoken. Those who meet Hafthor in person are often surprised by his humility and kindness. He has a warm smile, a calm voice, and the kind of presence that makes people feel at ease — even if he could probably lift them with one arm.
In 2017, while attending an event in Canada, Hafthor walked into a local bar and met someone who would soon change his life forever. Her name was Kelsey Henson — a petite, energetic woman working as a waitress and also known for her fitness modeling. Despite their stark physical contrast — Hafthor towering at over two meters, Kelsey standing just 155 centimeters tall — there was an instant spark between them.
When their first photo together appeared on Instagram, the internet erupted with comments. Many joked they looked like father and daughter, given the extreme difference in height and build. But the couple took the comments in stride. They laughed it off and continued sharing their lives online with humor and honesty. The bond between them was stronger than any online noise.
In August 2018, Hafthor and Kelsey got married in a private ceremony surrounded by close friends and family. The couple shared the happy news through heartwarming social media posts, where fans once again celebrated — and joked — about their remarkable size difference. But the love in their eyes was undeniable.
Two years later, in September 2020, their son Stormur Magni Hafthorsson was born. The name — powerful and rooted in Nordic tradition — suits the child of a man nicknamed “The Mountain.” Hafthor often shares sweet moments of fatherhood on social media: cradling his son in one arm, playing with toys on the floor, or gently holding Stormur on his shoulders. It’s clear that fatherhood means everything to him.
While building his family, Hafthor never lost sight of his career. Before rising to global fame, he had a promising future in basketball, even playing for Icelandic clubs. Unfortunately, a serious knee injury forced him to quit. It was a difficult moment — but it led him to discover powerlifting and strongman competitions, where he would go on to dominate the scene.
Over the years, Hafthor claimed the title of “Iceland’s Strongest Man” ten times in a row. He won “Europe’s Strongest Man” multiple times and was crowned “World’s Strongest Man” in 2018. In 2020, he broke the world deadlift record by lifting an unbelievable 501 kilograms. Few people on Earth can even comprehend that kind of strength.
But his reach didn’t stop at sports. Hafthor became a global celebrity when he took on the role of Gregor Clegane — better known as “The Mountain” — in HBO’s Game of Thrones. His portrayal of the fearsome, silent knight left a lasting impression on millions of viewers around the world.
Today, Hafthor continues to evolve. He trains daily, competes in boxing, and maintains an active presence on social media. But beyond all his achievements, the moments that truly stand out are the quiet ones: cooking dinner for his wife, sharing a laugh with Kelsey, or cuddling with Stormur after a long day. For someone known as “The Mountain,” his biggest strength might just be the size of his heart.
