Magnús Ver Magnússon is one of the mightiest men in the history of strongman. The mighty Sigmarsson was the Icelandic champion and World's Strongest Man for quite some time. But in 1985 Magnus made his first appearance in both the European Powerlifting Federation Junior Championship and Iceland's Strongest Man, claiming third in both. This impressive young champion would not spend long waiting for a victory finding first place in the 1989 Iceland's Strongest Man and losing only to the legendary Bill Kazmaier in 1988 (who was invited to compete in Iceland's Strongest Man that year).
After Jon Pall's unforgettable final victory, Iceland needed a new champion to carry on the proud tradition of Icelandic strongmen. In 1991, Magnús answered this call by entering and winning the 1991 World's Strongest Man. His victory was surprising for some. Critics thought that Magnusson lacked the adequate static strength and size required to defeat larger competitors (like his eventual rival, South African Gerrit Bandenhorst). At only 6'3" and 287 lbs, his frame appeared to be less impressive than his competition. His achievements spoke for themselves, however, with Magnus finishing with the best deadlift and squat of the field, alongside his fantastic speed and stamina. Despite fierce competition from great opponents, the Icelander was dominant.
The great Icelander would go on to match Jon Pall's World's Strongest Man record of four victories before retiring from the competition in 1997. Despite his international retirement he would continue to dominate Iceland's Strongest Man until 2004. In his retirement he runs a store with his wife and owns a gym called Jakaból, Icelandic for "giant's nest". He also frequently judges powerlifting competitions and strongman events, never straying far from his craft, where he cemented his legacy as one of the strongest men ever.
After Jon Pall's unforgettable final victory, Iceland needed a new champion to carry on the proud tradition of Icelandic strongmen. In 1991, Magnús answered this call by entering and winning the 1991 World's Strongest Man. His victory was surprising for some. Critics thought that Magnusson lacked the adequate static strength and size required to defeat larger competitors (like his eventual rival, South African Gerrit Bandenhorst). At only 6'3" and 287 lbs, his frame appeared to be less impressive than his competition. His achievements spoke for themselves, however, with Magnus finishing with the best deadlift and squat of the field, alongside his fantastic speed and stamina. Despite fierce competition from great opponents, the Icelander was dominant.
The great Icelander would go on to match Jon Pall's World's Strongest Man record of four victories before retiring from the competition in 1997. Despite his international retirement he would continue to dominate Iceland's Strongest Man until 2004. In his retirement he runs a store with his wife and owns a gym called Jakaból, Icelandic for "giant's nest". He also frequently judges powerlifting competitions and strongman events, never straying far from his craft, where he cemented his legacy as one of the strongest men ever.