Mexican strongman Raul Flores recently set a decisive new deadlift world record, smashing the previous benchmark owned by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson by more than two pounds. Following the feat, the 26-year-old took to social media to share the heart-warming motivation that helped him become the master of the barbell.
In an emotional Instagram post, following Flores’ history-making moment during the Sept. 5, 2026, Giants Live World Deadlift Championships in Birmingham, England, Flores wanted to pay tribute to man’s best friend, dedicating the deadlift to a much-missed pet.
“Today I didn’t just fulfill a dream. I fulfilled a promise today,” explained Flores in his emotional post. “Years ago, when my puppy Tayzon left, I promised him that one day his name would be known all over the world … Today, on the Giants Live Strongman stage, while lifting the 511kg that officially made me the world’s strongest man in deadweight, I understood that I wasn’t just lifting a bar. I was lifting a promise. Tayzon is no longer here to see, but his name is,” he added, having previously adopted the Instagram handle of “TayzonStrongman.”
Strongman Legends React to Raul Flores’ World Record
Raul Flores’ incredible 511kg (1,226.5 pounds) deadlift world record stunned many, because he secured a kilogram (2.2 pounds) more than the previous holder, Hafþór “Thor” Júlíus Björnsson. While Thor had competed at the same event, he opted not to push for a world record on the night. But in a gracious showing, he did take the microphone and congratulate Flores for surpassing his record. “I think he’s amazing,” said the Icelandic strongman, while encouraging the crowd in Birmingham to show their appreciation too.
