Icelander world powerlifting champion

While all eyes were on the Iceland men’s football team this week, another Icelander was quietly winning a world title – at the World Juniors & Sub-Juniors Men’s Powerlifting Championships.

Júlían J. K. Jóhannsson convincingly took the world title on Saturday in the Junior +120 kg category. The Championship was held in Prague, Czech Republic, 30 August-6 September.

In powerlifting, competitors lift in three disciplines – squat, bench press and deadlift – and the three weights lifted are combined into one score.

Jóhannsson lifted a total of 1,012.5 kg, securing the gold medal with a strong lead over second-placed Stephen King (USA) with 960 kg.

Adding to Icelandic success were Guðfinnur Snær Magnússon (silver in the Sub-Junior -120 kg category) and Viktor Samúelsson (bronze in the Junior -120 kg category).

Jóhannsson on the podium. Photo: Screenshot