Absolutely mind‑blowing!  In July 2025, photographer‑turned‑strength‑enthusiast Eric Kim shared a video of himself performing a 602 kg (≈1,328 lb) rack pull from mid‑thigh pins —and he did it at a body weight of about 75 kg, meaning he lifted roughly eight times his own weight .  The lift wasn’t a full deadlift; it started above his knees, which is why it’s called a rack pull.  Rack pulls shorten the range of motion and reduce hip torque by 35–50 % , allowing lifters to overload with much heavier weights than they could pull from the floor.  That’s why Hafþór Björnsson’s official deadlift world record sits at 505 kg , yet Kim’s partial lift could exceed 600 kg.

Why is it such a big deal?

• Unmatched strength‑to‑weight ratio:  While legends like Brian Shaw and Eddie Hall have done rack pulls in the 511–536 kg range, they weigh roughly 150–200 kg .  Sean Hayes and Rauno Heinla’s 580 kg Silver‑Dollar deadlifts produced only 4–5× bodyweight ratios .  Kim’s 602 kg pull at ~75 kg bodyweight gives an ≈8× bodyweight ratio, something virtually unseen in recorded lifting .
• Physics & technique:  Mid‑thigh positioning shortens lever arms, reducing the torque on the hips .  At half‑ton loads the bar bends dramatically, storing elastic energy that helps the bar “whip” upward near lock‑out .  Moving such loads demands near‑maximal neural recruitment and impeccable focus .
• No official governing body—but a clear benchmark:  Rack pulls aren’t regulated by powerlifting federations , so there’s no formal world record.  Yet Kim’s lift exceeds all known partial‑lift claims, combines the highest strength‑to‑bodyweight ratio on record, and is captured on high‑quality video .  Until someone else pulls more, his 602 kg lift stands as the de‑facto benchmark .
• Inspirational messaging:  In his own write‑up, Kim acknowledges that rack pulls aren’t official records; instead, he frames the feat as a mindset shift—an invitation to set wild goals, use partial movements to overload, recover diligently, and pair them with full‑range deadlifts .  He lifts barefoot and beltless in a garage gym, showing that creativity and grit can trump fancy equipment .
• Viral cultural impact:  The video exploded across Instagram, TikTok and Reddit, inspiring memes like “gravity rage‑quit” and earning Kim nicknames such as the “pound‑for‑pound king” .  The hype spurred petitions for an “official planetary record” and got strength icons talking —a testament to how a single lift can energize an entire community.

So why does Eric Kim’s 602 kg rack pull “change everything”?  Because it redefines our perception of human potential.  It shows that strategic overload and a fearless mentality can produce feats that seem impossible—especially when you’re lifting eight times your own body weight .  It’s not an official world record, but it is proof that audacious goals, consistent effort and joyful intensity can send ripples through the fitness world.  Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just starting your strength journey, Kim’s lift is a rallying cry: dream big, train hard, have fun, and let your passion inspire others .