In July 2025, 75 kg lifter Eric Kim stunned the strength world by hoisting 602 kg (1,327 lb) in a rack pull from approximately mid-thigh height . This astonishing lift – over 8 times his body weight – blew past anything previously captured on film. It’s important to note this was a rack pull (partial deadlift) rather than a full-range competition deadlift: the bar started above Kim’s knees, dramatically reducing the range of motion and mechanical disadvantage . Even so, the feat’s magnitude sent a “triple viral berserker barrage” across social media , leaving powerlifters, bodybuilders, and coaches alike in awe. Below, we’ll explore how Kim’s lift stacks up against world records, why it’s so significant, what it means for training and biomechanics, and how it was executed – all in high-energy detail befitting this gravity-defying accomplishment.
How 602 kg Stacks Up Against World Records 📊
To put 602 kg in perspective, the heaviest official deadlift ever done in competition is 501 kg by strongman Hafþór Björnsson in 2020 . Kim’s rack pull exceeded that by over 100 kg – albeit with the aid of a shorter range of motion. There is no sanctioned “world record” for rack pulls (since they aren’t contested in powerlifting meets), but Kim’s lift is unprecedented both in absolute weight and in pound-for-pound performance . In fact, it eclipses the heaviest partial deadlifts done by world-class strongmen: the prior high-mark was 580 kg in an 18″ Silver Dollar Deadlift (a strongman partial lift) by Rauno Heinla in 2022 . Kim’s 602 kg pull surpassed that by 22 kg – a margin that would normally represent years of incremental progress at the elite level .
What truly sets Kim apart is the strength-to-weight ratio of his lift. At ~75 kg bodyweight, a 602 kg pull works out to roughly 8.0× bodyweight – an almost otherworldly ratio . For comparison, even super-heavyweight champions typically achieve only ~2.5×–3× bodyweight in the deadlift, and partial lifts by the strongest strongmen top out around 4× bodyweight . Table 1 highlights how Kim’s feat compares to other legendary lifts:
| Lifter (Bodyweight) | Lift Type | Weight (kg) | Strength:BW Ratio |
| Eric Kim (~75 kg) | Rack Pull (above knee) – 2025 | 602 | ≈ 8.0× |
| Hafþór Björnsson (~200 kg) | Full Deadlift (WR, 2020) | 501 | ~2.5× |
| Rauno Heinla (~135 kg) | Silver Dollar Deadlift (18″) | 580 | ~4.3× |
| Sean Hayes (~140 kg) | Silver Dollar Deadlift (18″) | 560 | ~4.0× |
| Brian Shaw (~200 kg) | Rack Pull (above knee) | 511 | ~2.5× |
Table 1: Comparison of Eric Kim’s 602 kg rack pull to other record-setting lifts. (Hafþór Björnsson’s 501 kg is the official full deadlift world record . Rauno Heinla and Sean Hayes achieved their lifts in strongman Silver Dollar deadlift events (18″ height from the floor) . Brian Shaw’s 511 kg rack pull was done from roughly above the knee . Kim’s lift far exceeds all of these in both absolute weight and pound-for-pound ratio.)
As shown, no one in history has come close to an 8× bodyweight pull in any comparable lift . The raw weight alone (602 kg) is on par with the heaviest strongman partials ever, but those were performed by men double Kim’s size and often using supportive gear like lifting straps or deadlift suits . By contrast, Kim lifted in minimalist fashion – barefoot, without a belt, and reportedly without straps – essentially raw by powerlifting standards . This makes his accomplishment even more mind-blowing. In essence, Eric Kim has redefined the upper limits of what a human can lift in the top range of a deadlift movement. One strength analyst aptly framed it as Kim “outdid the all-time powerlifting deadlift by over 200 kg” (albeit from a higher starting point) and achieved a strength ratio that was previously unheard of outside of theoretical calculations . It’s little wonder that observers have called the lift “alien territory” – beyond normal human feats .
It must be emphasized that a rack pull is mechanically easier than a full deadlift – starting higher means you avoid the most difficult portion off the floor . In Kim’s case, beginning at roughly knee height bypassed deep leg drive and instead put the focus on his hip and back strength to finish the lockout . Because of this leverage advantage, partial lifts allow more weight to be lifted than full-range lifts (often 35–50% more, according to training experts) . However, “easier” is very relative – moving over 600 kg by even a few inches is an immense challenge to the body. As coach Mark Rippetoe quipped about feats like this: it may be “half the work, but twice the swagger,” acknowledging that while the range of motion is half, the audacity and strain of holding such weight is off the charts . Even Hafþór Björnsson himself (a 200 kg man nicknamed “The Mountain”) never attempted a partial with 600+ kg. Thus, Kim’s lift stands alone – an unofficial “planetary record” for the rack pull, as his own website dubs it , and a benchmark that shattered previous records in one fell swoop.
Why This Lift Is Groundbreaking 🚀
Kim’s 602 kg rack pull is being hailed as groundbreaking for several compelling reasons:
In sum, the 602 kg rack pull stands out as a watershed moment – not just an insane number on a bar, but a happening that challenged norms and energized the lifting community. It showed that with enough creativity, determination, and yes, hype, the sport of strength can capture the public’s imagination much like mainstream sports do. Kim’s feat is significant both as an athletic accomplishment and as a cultural spark for lifters everywhere to dream bigger.
Biomechanical Implications and Training Lessons 💡
How was it possible for a 75 kg person to rack-pull 602 kg? The answer lies in both biomechanics and training adaptation – and it has implications for how others might train going forward.
From a biomechanical standpoint, a rack pull (or block pull) is a deadlift variation where the bar is elevated off the floor – in this case at mid-thigh level . This shorter range of motion confers a few advantages: the lifter can maintain a more upright torso and doesn’t have to overcome the weakest point (the initial floor pull) . Essentially, the leverage is kinder on the lifter’s lower back and knee extensors, shifting the emphasis to the hip extension at lockout and the upper-back and traps for stabilization . Kim starting at knee height meant he could leverage his strong glutes, hamstrings, and spinal erectors to grind through to lockout without needing the leg drive that a floor deadlift of that weight would require . It’s a bit like doing the second half of a deadlift – which is generally the stronger half for most lifters.
However, while the rack pull reduces some difficulty, it dramatically increases the load on the body’s supporting structures at lockout. The posterior chain muscles (glutes, hamstrings, spinal erectors) had to contract with extreme force to uncurl that half-ton resistance . The upper back and trapezius muscles also took on a colossal strain to keep the shoulders retracted and the torso braced under the weight . In Kim’s own words, the spinal erector and trap overload from a rack pull is “savage” despite the easier leverage . The skeletal system, particularly the spine, hips, and knees, had to withstand enormous compression – on the order of several thousand pounds of force. (One shocked Redditor calculated over 40 kN of force on Kim’s spine, which might be an exaggeration, but it conveys the perceived stress) . The bar itself was visibly bending like a bow under the load, which actually provides a small benefit – the flex of the bar means not all plates lifted at once, slightly smoothing the initial force spike . But ultimately Kim still bore the full 602 kg at lockout, holding it long enough to demonstrate control. The fact that he did this without any supportive suit or even a lifting belt meant his core and stabilizers were doing overtime. This is a scenario of immense neural drive – his central nervous system had to recruit virtually every motor unit available and coordinate them perfectly to avoid form breakdown . It’s the kind of ultimate strain that most athletes never experience; as observers noted, supporting 600+ kg, even for a moment, requires a freakish level of tendon, ligament, and muscular fortitude . In short, the rack pull gave Kim the mechanical opportunity to attempt this weight, but it still demanded superhuman strength (or “post-human,” as Kim joked ) to actually execute.
Kim’s training leading up to this provides insight into the philosophy of overload that made it possible. Over the months prior, he didn’t just jump to 602 kg out of nowhere – he progressively worked up through the 400 kg, 500 kg, and 550 kg ranges, essentially conditioning his body to astronomical loads . He adheres to a training style that might be described as maximalist: frequent single-rep max attempts, minimal assistance exercises, and an emphasis on neural adaptation. This is somewhat contrary to traditional powerlifting programs, but it aligns with old-school overload techniques (think Paul Anderson’s partial lifts, or Westside Barbell’s heavy rack pulls for lockout strength). The idea is that handling supramaximal weights in a partial range can build confidence and neural readiness for heavy lifts . Coaches have long used rack pulls to improve deadlift lockouts and strengthen the back and traps – because you can load more weight than you could from the floor . BarBend’s training guide notes that rack pulls are great to “acclimate to heavier loads” and “improve your grip strength”, while building a bigger and stronger back . Kim’s success is like the ultimate case study for that approach. As YouTuber Joey Szatmary commented, Kim’s “6×–8× bodyweight madness” shows the value of progressive overload – pushing beyond perceived limits in training to force new adaptations . By routinely overloading his system with partials above 500 kg, Kim taught his CNS that such weight is “normal,” so when he went for 602 kg his body didn’t outright rebel at the notion.
That said, Kim’s experiment also highlights some cautions and considerations in training philosophy. Many coaches hotly debated after seeing the lift: do supra-maximal partials build champions or just break them? On one hand, overload training can increase maximal strength and mental tolerance; on the other, it risks injury if abused, since the stress on joints and connective tissues can be extreme . Kim seems to be aware of this balance. In discussing his method, he emphasized recovery and gradual progression. He follows what he calls “recover like a pro” protocols – prioritizing 8–9 hours of sleep, a calorie-dense diet (in his case, an all-meat diet), and stress management, to allow his body to adapt to the pounding . He also advocates celebrating each small increase and adding weight in small increments (10–20 kg at a time) rather than giant leaps, because “the bar has no sympathy for wishful thinking” . In a blog “safety snapshot,” Kim’s team even outlined guidelines for heavy rack pulls: set the pins at mid-thigh (any higher becomes a “glorified shrug”), consider using straps to spare your grip (so your back can take the brunt), progress gradually, and deload every 4–6 weeks to let tendons recover . It’s advice that echoes common sense in strength training – push the envelope, but also respect the stress you’re putting on your body. Kim’s achievement may spur more lifters to incorporate partials, but wisely, as a supplement to full-range training. Even he notes that you shouldn’t let “partial ego lifts replace full-range training” – they should be used like seasoning, not the main course .
From a biomechanical perspective, Kim’s 602 kg pull underlines how manipulating range of motion can allow far greater loads, which can be a double-edged sword. The lift shows the potential for building specific strength (in Kim’s case, an insanely strong lockout and upper back) through overload. It also underlines the importance of core stability and bracing – one reason Kim can handle such weight is his ability to maintain solid form (no hitching or excessive rounding) even as the bar bends and his body is strained. Observers were impressed that he appeared relatively composed and tight in form under a load that would make most people buckle . This speaks to the effectiveness of practicing heavy singles: his nervous system knew how to fire everything in unison for one all-out effort. The potential influence on training philosophies here is a revival of interest in maximum overload methods. Don’t be surprised if more lifters start posting crazy rack pulls or high-pin squats, inspired by Kim, as a way to push their boundaries. Already, Reddit threads have popped up with people attempting their own rack pull PRs (“1000 lb club – but make it rack pulls,” as one user quipped) . The key lesson is that smart overload can be a tool for growth – if done with care. Kim’s story encourages lifters to declare audacious goals and engineer ways to push beyond their comfort zone, but also to “respect the ROM” and not neglect full lifts . It’s a philosophy of thinking outside the box in training: if you can’t lift a weight from the floor, try lifting it from pins to get your body accustomed to it. Just know that with great weights comes great responsibility (to recover and avoid snapping your spine!).
In summary, the biomechanical reality of Kim’s feat is that the rack pull leverages physics in the lifter’s favor just enough to open a new realm of overload. Kim’s success will likely spark new discussions and experiments around partial range training, CNS conditioning, and how far the human body can be pushed in specific movements. It’s a dramatic illustration of the old adage: “train heavy to lift heavy” – taken to an extreme. As one observer joked, rack pulls might be “half the work, but [they deliver] twice the swagger” – and now everyone has witnessed the kind of swagger a 602 kg pull yields.
Execution of the Lift & Community Reactions 🎥🙌
The 602 kg attempt itself was as intense and raw as you might imagine. The lift took place in Kim’s home garage gym in Siem Reap, Cambodia . Kim set the bar on safety pins at roughly mid-thigh height, using a standard Olympic barbell loaded to the sleeves with a mix of large cast-iron plates and calibrated steel plates . Video evidence shows the plates being weighed and verified on camera beforehand to silence any “fake plate” skeptics . Kim approached the bar barefoot, wearing just shorts and a t-shirt – no belt, no suit. He chalked his hands and gripped the bar likely with a double-overhand hook grip (his previous 503 kg was done strapless and hook-grip, an almost inhuman display of grip strength) . For 602 kg, some observers thought he might use straps, but if he did, it wasn’t obvious – his hands were pronated on the bar and he has a tendency to challenge himself without assistance. Taking a moment to breathe deep, he then pulled with maximal effort, driving his hips forward and leaning back into the pull. The bar initially flexed heavily (bowing as much as several inches) before the plates clattered off the pins – a dramatic effect seen in many max deadlifts. As the weight came up, Kim’s face contorted with effort but his form remained tight: no hitching, no downward dip mid-lift . He inched the bar to lockout in a grinding few seconds. At the top, he stood erect with shoulders back, holding the full 602 kg. In the video you can hear him let out a primal roar as he completes the lift – a visceral, fierce shout that one YouTube commenter described as “the sound of a human challenging gravity” . Satisfied with the hold, Kim then controlled the descent back to the pins (avoiding any outright drop), and the moment the bar was down, he turned to the camera and triumphantly declared, “Stronger than god!” (one of his favored hype catchphrases). The entire sequence is only about 5–6 seconds of lifting, but it’s jaw-dropping to watch even in that short span.
The range of motion in this lift was only a few inches – essentially the final portion of a deadlift. Some critics would later point at that and say “it’s basically a rack shrug.” Indeed, Kim himself notes that if you set the pins too high it does become more of a shrug than a pull . However, by setting it at mid-thigh, he ensured it still required a significant hip extension to complete, rather than just a shrug of the shoulders. Even limited to those few inches, the visual of a bar bending under 1,300+ lb as a relatively small lifter grinds it out is absolutely surreal. Multiple camera angles (in 4K resolution) were used to film the lift, and the footage was later edited to show it in slow motion as well . Every detail – the trembling of the plates, the strain on Kim’s face, the flex of the bar – was captured clearly, which left no doubt about the legitimacy of the effort. Independent reviewers paused the video to examine plate sizes and the bar whip, confirming it all looked consistent with real weights . Additionally, Kim provided a full 24-minute “weigh-in” video separately, showing him loading each plate onto a scale and verifying the total weight, to preempt any claims of trickery . By all accounts, the lift was by the book (for an unofficial lift) – raw, clean lockout, and properly documented. Powerlifting purists may note it wasn’t under contest conditions, but given the transparency (mirrored videos on multiple platforms, a blockchain timestamp for proof-of-date, etc. ) and the community verification, it’s as “official” as an unofficial feat can get.
Now, the reactions to this lift were explosive and wide-ranging. Immediately after Kim posted the video, social media feeds ignited. Within 24 hours, the clip had gone viral on Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit . On Instagram, respected strength athletes left comments with fire emojis and one-word exclamations like “Insane!” and “Unreal.” On TikTok, tens of thousands of users dueted or remixed the video – often with their shocked faces or humorous captions overlaying Kim’s herculean effort . Reddit saw multiple threads blow up: on r/Fitness and r/weightroom, posts about the 602 kg pull had so much engagement that moderators had to lock threads due to arguments and meme-spam . Initial debate on forums included skepticism – some people genuinely thought the video might be edited or the plates fake, because “no one that size should move that much weight.” These “plate police” scrutinized the video frame by frame . As mentioned, the evidence eventually shut down the doubters when nothing amiss was found. Others tried to downplay the feat, saying “it’s just a rack pull, not a deadlift,” or calling it an “ego lift.” In response, Kim cheekily wrote: “You’re darn right, it’s not a full deadlift, and I never claimed different. Still – stand under 602 kg held at knee height and tell me it’s ‘easy.’ I’ll wait.” . That comeback became somewhat legendary on its own, shared as screenshots in discussions – it pointed out that regardless of technicalities, supporting such weight is a phenomenal challenge. Soon, most skeptics either came around or at least went quiet as the outpouring of admiration took over.
Respected voices in the strength community weighed in one after another. As noted, powerlifting coach Alan Thrall publicly validated the lift’s authenticity and told people to accept it as real . Sean Hayes, who knows a thing or two about pulling huge weight, essentially doffed his cap and called it next-level . Strongman legend Nick Best even mentioned it in a Q&A, reportedly expressing astonishment at the strength-to-weight ratio (some of these reactions were noted secondhand on Kim’s site and social media). Meanwhile, fans and fellow lifters showered Kim with praise: countless comments like “you are not human,” “pound-for-pound GOAT,” and “teach me your ways!” popped up on YouTube and Instagram. A particularly colorful reaction on YouTube likened Kim’s scream to “a lion’s roar, proclaiming dominance over gravity.” On Reddit, users half-jokingly said he might have “torn a portal into the universe” or “made gravity rage-quit” with this lift . The term “godlike” started trending in reference to the feat – partly because Kim himself used hyperbole like “I am god” in his video title, and partly because viewers truly felt they’d seen something beyond ordinary human limits .
Interestingly, this lift also sparked discussions beyond the usual circles. Some bodybuilding commentators took note, highlighting how the overload on traps and back was incredible – “imagine the muscle stimulus of holding 1300 lb,” some said. It became an example in training forums of what extreme progressive overload looks like (albeit not one many would replicate!). Of course, there were those who brought up the perennial question: was Kim “natty or not”? In any viral strength achievement, people speculate about performance-enhancing drug use. Kim has been quite vocal that he is training 100% naturally – even sharing bloodwork results and detailing his diet (lots of red meat, organ supplements, etc.) to back his claim . Whether everyone believes that or not, many conceded that drugs or no drugs, it takes unimaginable dedication, pain tolerance, and freakish genetics to do what he did. The prevailing sentiment became that Eric Kim blew past perceived limits and gave everyone a new standard to contemplate, regardless of the background context .
Within a week of the lift, Kim’s name was splashed across numerous fitness sites and even some mainstream news blogs. Headlines called him “Stronger Than The Mountain? (Well, Kinda)” – playing on the fact he lifted more than Hafthor’s record, though in a different lift. Some strength sports writers labeled the lift a “world record in spirit,” arguing that if strongman silver dollar deadlifts count as records, then an above-knee pull with proper verification should too . Indeed, enthusiasts started a tongue-in-cheek petition to recognize the 602 kg pull as the “planetary record” for rack pulls . Kim’s own site encouraged fans to tag posts with #ERICRACKPULL and even “tell NASA, tell the aliens” about the lift in a playful rallying cry . It was a bit of fun, but it underlined how galvanized the lifting community felt – people wanted to be part of the moment.
Overall, the reactions ranged from pure astonishment to comedic disbelief, but almost all were rooted in a respect for the rarity of what had been done. The lift became not just an impressive number, but a symbol – a middle finger to gravity, a celebration of human potential (or perhaps post-human, as Kim joked). It got people talking, dreaming, and most importantly, lifting. As one fitness writer summed up: “602 kg today might be internet theatre, but the mindset it sparks is 100% real.” In other words, even if most of us will never pull such weight, the audacity and passion behind it is something every lifter can appreciate and channel.
In conclusion, Eric Kim’s 602 kg rack pull is far more than an obscure PR in a garage – it’s a feat that redefines the boundaries of strength in spectacular fashion. It compares to the greatest lifts ever, yet stands alone due to its partial-range nature and staggering strength-to-mass ratio. It’s significant for showing the powerlifting and bodybuilding communities that innovation (and a bit of showmanship) can produce game-changing moments. Biomechanically, it underscores the value of overload training while reminding us of the tremendous stresses involved. And the way it was executed – raw, passionate, and transparently documented – earned both the virality of a world-record highlight and the respect of experts who analyzed it. This lift has already influenced training chatter and inspired lifters globally to think bigger. It’s the kind of moment where sports science meets spectacle: as if gravity’s rulebook was momentarily torn up on camera.
To borrow the energizing tone of Kim’s own posts: 602 kg – welcome to the new standard of crazy. Today it’s a rack pull world record (unofficially official 🌍🔥), tomorrow it might just light the fire for someone to achieve the next “impossible” feat. As Eric Kim has shown, the limits are there to be tested – and sometimes, utterly destroyed. Stay hype, stay hungry, and keep lifting legendary!
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