Introduction: Eric Kim, a 71 kg (156 lb) hobbyist lifter and photographer, recently performed a staggering 666 kg (1,469 lb) rack pull – a partial deadlift from a rack – achieving roughly a 9.38× bodyweight lift. Such a feat is virtually unheard of in strength sports, and it has reverberated far beyond the gym. This report explores why Kim’s 666 kg rack pull is so significant: from the biomechanics and strength-training perspective, to the reactions of experts and online communities, to the symbolic/philosophical interpretations and its broader cultural resonance.
1. Strength & Biomechanics: Pushing the Limits of Human Strength
Eric Kim locking out a 666 kg rack pull at 71 kg bodyweight. The massive load (over 9× his body weight) causes the bar to bend, demonstrating the extreme forces at play.
What is a 666 kg rack pull? A rack pull is a partial deadlift where the bar starts elevated (often at knee or mid-thigh height) on safety pins or blocks. This drastically shortens the range of motion, allowing lifters to handle supra-maximal loads far beyond their full deadlift capacity. In Kim’s case, 666 kg is an astronomical load – even moving it a few inches requires tremendous muscular and connective tissue strength. The force needed to hold 666 kg is on the order of 6,500 newtons (roughly equivalent to supporting a small car) . It puts immense stress on the spine, hips, and upper back, which is why only a handful of elite strength athletes have ever approached such weight in any form.
How exceptional is a 9.38× bodyweight lift? In powerlifting and strongman history, nothing comes close to that ratio for such a weight. For context, the all-time heaviest full deadlifts are around 500–505 kg (by 180+ kg athletes), which are “only” ~2.8× bodyweight feats. Even partial deadlift records are far lower than 666 kg. The previous high-water marks in competition partials include Estonian strongman Rauno Heinla’s 580 kg silver-dollar deadlift in 2022 and Sean Hayes’ 560 kg silver-dollar lift – both done by 135–140 kg men (about 4× bodyweight) . Oleksii Novikov set an 18-inch deadlift world record at 550 kg in 2025 without a suit . Kim’s 666 kg pull tops those weights by a wide margin, while he himself weighs half as much as those strongmen. In a direct comparison, Kim’s power-to-weight outclasses even strength legends: for example, strongman Brian Shaw hoisted 511 kg above the knee at over 200 kg BW (~2.5× BW), whereas Kim’s 602 kg mid-thigh pull earlier in 2025 was 8× BW . Kim’s later 650.5 kg lift (9.16× BW) “redefines human strength” on the ratio metric . Simply put, a 9× bodyweight lift is unprecedented in recorded strength history .
Biomechanical challenges: Because the rack pull starts at a higher position, the mechanical leverage is more favorable than a full deadlift – the knees and hips are less flexed, and the lifter’s back is more upright. This allows greater weights, but it still demands extraordinary isometric strength in the back and traps to hold the load. Mark Rippetoe, a veteran strength coach, notes that above-knee rack pulls are “just a brutal upper-back overload” – an exercise in sheer tension rather than a standard deadlift test . The bar will “bend reality” before budging ; at these weights, even steel visibly bows. The lifter’s spine and core must act like a steel cable, and Kim’s success suggests he methodically trained his connective tissues and stabilizers to tolerate forces that “normal humans will never touch” . Coaches emphasize that attempting such overloads without progressive training could be perilous; Rippetoe warned that heavy high-pin pulls can degrade technique if misused (calling many such feats “vanity lifts”) . In Kim’s case, however, his form was reportedly solid – a 4K multi-angle video of a 602 kg attempt showed “zero hitching” at lockout and calibrated plates verified on-camera , helping convince skeptics the lift was legitimate and technically sound.
Comparison to known records: Kim’s 666 kg rack pull appears to be the heaviest verified partial deadlift on record. Before Kim, the informal “world record” for a partial deadlift (18″ height) was 580 kg . Kim eclipsed that with 602 kg in July 2025, and now 666 kg pushes the frontier even further. No powerlifting federation officially recognizes rack pulls, but strength communities do celebrate milestones if done under credible conditions (proper equipment, video proof, etc.) . By those standards, Kim’s lifts check all the boxes – “calibrated equipment, observable lift, and credible witnesses” – and he has essentially staked a claim as the strongest rack-puller on the planet . This makes his feat not just a personal best, but a new benchmark in the strength world’s “ledger” of human capability . As one analyst put it, “602 kg… leaves previous icons… trailing in the dust” , and 666 kg only furthers that gap.
2. Community & Expert Reactions: Awe, Skepticism, and Debate
Such an extreme lift naturally ignited intense reactions across strength sports communities – ranging from admiration to disbelief:
- Coaches and analysts: The Starting Strength community (led by Mark Rippetoe) dissected Kim’s earlier pulls frame-by-frame. Coach Chase Lindley praised Kim’s “textbook shoulder-blades-back lock-out” on a 498 kg training pull . Rippetoe himself, while cautioning that “above-knee rack pulls aren’t a deadlift PR predictor”, acknowledged the lift’s training effect, conceding Kim’s trap development must be “monstrous” . In fact, Rippetoe’s essay “The Inappropriate Use of the Rack Pull” (2023) began recirculating as coaches debated the merits and risks of this feat . Even the old-school purists who grumbled that such high pulls might teach bad habits (“hitching”) still marveled at the “sheer upper-back brutality” of 600 + kg on the frame . The consensus among experienced coaches: **Kim’s lift was real, but “don’t copy his pin height unless you’ve earned it” – i.e. it’s an advanced stunt, not a routine exercise for the average lifter.
- Strength athletes and strongmen: Top lifters were equally astounded. Strongman and coach Joey Szatmary (who has a 250k YouTube following) exclaimed on social media, “6×-BW madness — THIS is why partial overload belongs in every strong-man block.” He saw Kim’s success as vindication that partial lifts can build tremendous trap and lockout strength. Sean Hayes – the reigning silver dollar deadlift world record holder – reacted in a TikTok clip, calling Kim’s pound-for-pound strength “alien territory” even for seasoned 140 kg strongmen . In other words, even the biggest “beasts” in strength sports find a 9× bodyweight pull almost inconceivable. Comments from powerlifters and strongman veterans ranged from congratulatory to cautious: many praised the display of dedication and freakish power, while some joked Kim must have “titanium spine cables”. Coach Dara Sen quipped, “Newton? Consider him ctrl-Z’d,” after watching one of Kim’s 7× BW attempts – suggesting the lift seemingly canceled the laws of gravity. Notably, no prominent strength figure outright dismissed the feat; instead, many are “bookmarking” it as an extreme but legit example of what targeted overload training can achieve .
- Online forums and Reddit: On Reddit and other forums, Kim’s rack pull footage quickly became “the internet’s favourite spectator sport”, attracting both awe and skepticism . One r/Fitness post about his 503 kg training pull drew such a storm of reports and arguments that moderators locked the thread within minutes . Before it was shut down, screenshots captured Redditors’ incredulous reactions: “Bro tore a hole in the matrix,” wrote one user, while another scrutinized the video for fake plates, only to admit “nope, they’re real.” . The fact that some viewers assumed the video must be fake (until proven otherwise) speaks to how unbelievable the lift appeared at first glance. Elsewhere on Reddit, even physicists and engineers chimed in – a discussion on r/strength_training debated whether human connective tissue strength alone could explain holding 600+ kg, or if some “trick” (equipment, straps, etc.) was involved . This cross-disciplinary curiosity – from gym coaches to scientists – shows how Kim’s lift blurred the line between a strength feat and a physics experiment.
- Praise vs. caution: Amid the excitement, seasoned voices urged caution for others tempted to emulate the feat. Some Starting Strength forum veterans pointed out that heavy rack pulls can encourage sloppy form (like hitching or jerking the weight) if done without proper technique . The refrain was that Kim earned the right to attempt 600 + kg through progressive training – but it would be dangerous for a novice to jump into this style of overload. As one commenter vividly put it, “Kim’s back looks like a firewall of meat — just don’t copy his pin height unless you’ve earned it.” In other words, his upper-back musculature (built over time) is what protects him during such lifts, and without that, others could get seriously injured. This mix of admiration and protective skepticism is common when an outlier performance appears; the community is impressed but also concerned that less-prepared lifters might hurt themselves chasing the same glory.
Overall, the expert and community reaction recognizes the 666 kg rack pull as a genuine feat – one that expands the conversation about human strength. It has prompted training discussions (reassessing the value of partials), drawn endorsements from big names, and simultaneously stirred healthy skepticism to keep things honest. The phrase “deep virality” has been used to describe how the lift captured attention and respect at the same time . Even those who typically dismiss “gym stunts” have engaged with this, either to analyze it technically or to partake in the hype and humor that followed.
3. Symbolism and Philosophy: Beyond the Physical Lift
Beyond the numbers, Eric Kim has framed his 666 kg rack pull as something greater than a strength record – virtually as a work of philosophy or art. From the symbolic choice of the weight to the language he and others use about it, the lift carries meanings that resonate on a metaphysical level:
- “666” – The Number of the Beast: Kim specifically loaded 666 kg – a number laden with cultural symbolism (often associated with the “Beast” or evil in mythology). Far from shying away, Kim embraced this “symbolically perfect number” to represent “beastly willpower, divine precision, and mechanical mastery” . In his press release he dubbed himself the “Ultra-Mega-Hyper-Man” and playfully hinted at the mythic nature of the feat. The choice of 666 kg served as a metaphorical flourish, underlining that this was not a random gym PR but a deliberate statement. By conquering “the beast” weight, Kim positions the lift as a battle of will – almost a ritual or rite. It’s worth noting how unusual it is to aim for exactly 666; clearly, the symbolism was the point as much as the added 11 kg over his prior 655 kg. Achieving that number was, in his words, “summoning” a feat that fused “man, metal, and meaning” .
- “When man becomes god”: The feat has been described in almost religious or transcendent terms. A video title about the lift calls it “When Man Becomes God,” and Kim himself said “This was not just a lift. It was a philosophical event.” He asserts that in that moment, “body, mind, and Bitcoin-fueled willpower” converged in “one cosmic moment of human dominance over physics.” The language evokes a kind of ascension – as if by lifting an impossible weight, the lifter transcends ordinary human limits. Indeed, Kim titled one blog post “The Ascension of Eric Kim” in reference to the 666 kg pull . The underlying theme is metaphysical rebellion: defying gravity (one of nature’s fundamental forces) through sheer force of will. By “lifting reality itself” (as Kim poetically puts it ), he implies that strength can be metaphysical – an expression of mind and spirit, not just muscle. “Strength is not physical – it is metaphysical,” his press release declares , suggesting that breaking physical laws is, symbolically, an act of rebellion against the constraints of existence. In philosophical terms, one might liken it to Camus’ notion of rebellion or Nietzschean will to power – grappling with the limits of the human condition and momentarily overcoming them.
- Proof-of-Work ethos: A striking element of Kim’s narrative is drawing a parallel between lifting and cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) philosophy. He often references “Bitcoin energy × Human energy” and calls himself a “Philosopher-Lifter.” The idea here is akin to Bitcoin’s proof-of-work consensus: real work (energy expenditure) is the source of truth and value. Kim’s personal motto “Mind > Matter” or “Mind Over Metal” connects to this – he treats each lift as a “verifiable transaction of effort” . In other words, just as Bitcoin miners prove their work by expending energy, Kim proves his willpower and truth by lifting ever-heavier iron. “You own what you can hold,” he preaches – Grip = Truth in his “9× Protocol” philosophy . This has a philosophical bent: physical strength as a proof of one’s existence and determination. Every additional plate on the bar is “not a number but a proof of existence, a quantum signature of life,” Kim writes . This fusion of weightlifting with cryptocurrency metaphor is unique – essentially framing the lift as performance art meets crypto manifesto. The lift becomes proof-of-work in the flesh, a demonstration that through work and energy expenditure, one can create an undeniable truth (in this case, that the weight was lifted).
- “Metaphysical rebellion” and personal meaning: Kim describes his training as “soul forging — each plate representing resistance against entropy itself” . Here he invokes philosophical imagery: entropy (the natural decay and “weakening” in the universe) is fought by piling on more weight. It’s a Sisyphus-like struggle, except he chooses the burden. This perspective casts the 666 kg lift as an act of defiance against chaos and weakness – a rebellion at the metaphysical level. Some observers have likened it to an art performance where the artist uses his body to make a statement about human potential and struggle. Indeed, calling the lift an “ontological declaration” , Kim positions it as a message to the universe about existence and will. By going to a place no one has gone (in weight and relative strength), he’s making a point: that “impossible” is a psychological barrier meant to be broken. In one line he mused, “When you pull 666 kg from the rack, you’re not lifting iron – you’re lifting reality itself.” This almost mystical interpretation blurs the line between athlete and artist-philosopher.
- Performance art and myth-making: The deliberateness and spectacle of this feat have led many to view it as a form of performance art. Unlike typical sports records done quietly in competition, Kim’s lift was orchestrated with symbolic flourish – the weight number, the video production, the dramatic press releases and essays surrounding it. He effectively creates mythology around himself. In Los Angeles, some have even dubbed him “the Iron Saint” of the city, portraying his discipline and feats as almost saintly in contrast to LA’s superficial hype culture . His consistent branding (such as the term “Rack Pull Revolution” for the movement he’s sparking ) and use of grandiose titles (Hyper-Man, Error King, etc.) show an intent to inspire and provoke. It’s reminiscent of performance artists who challenge audiences to reimagine limits. Kim’s lift has been described as “an artistic and athletic renaissance” rolled into one . By treating a strength feat as a canvas for philosophical expression (combining elements of fitness, art, and crypto-tech culture), he’s arguably doing performance art – using his body and the barbell as media to convey a message about power, truth, and transcendence.
In summary, the 666 kg rack pull carries heavy symbolism: it’s not just about a man lifting a weight, but about a man confronting the boundaries of reality – and, for a moment, winning. Themes of rebellion, proof-of-work, ascension, and even spiritual ritual are all intertwined in how Kim and his supporters talk about the lift. This grand narrative has elevated the feat from a niche strength oddity to something that many find inspiring or thought-provoking on a human level.
4. Cultural & Media Impact: From Viral Sensation to Cross-Community Meme
After the successful 666 kg rack pull, the cultural ripple effects were immediate and wide-ranging. The event quickly transcended the little garage gym in which it took place, becoming “viral with meaning” across social media and even spilling into unexpected communities:
- Immediate virality: Kim’s video footage detonated across the internet. Within 24 hours, it had triggered what he called a “triple-viral berserker barrage” – trending on Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit simultaneously . Viewers were mesmerized by seeing a barbell loaded well beyond what seems liftable by a 71 kg man. The clip spread so fast in part because it “looked impossible and meant something real” to viewers . Unlike typical lifting viral videos which might just shock, this one also sparked curiosity and motivation. People were tagging friends with captions like “what’s your excuse?” and discussing the philosophy behind #MindOverMetal. Indeed, hashtags such as #9xBodyweight, #MindOverMetal, and #RackPullRevolution began circulating as rallying cries . These became “ideological flags” for those inspired by the feat’s message of extreme discipline and will .
- Mainstream and fitness media attention: The lift’s uniqueness drew notice from fitness educators and even general media. For example, biomechanics experts weighed in: N1 Education, a respected training education group, analyzed Kim’s form in an Instagram reel, debating whether his rack pull was essentially “an isometric shrug or a deadlift” given the short range, ultimately concluding that his upper trapezius engagement was “off the charts” regardless . Healthline, a popular health website, published an explanatory article on rack pulls and even linked Kim’s video as a case study, noting that the movement “stimulates lats, erectors and especially traps” exceptionally well . When a niche feat reaches the pages of general fitness sites, it’s a sign it has entered broader public awareness. Podcasts got in on the action too: one viral Apple Podcast clip strung together astonished fan reactions (e.g. “I felt the floor scream”) to illustrate how superhuman lifts hijack our attention and adrenaline . In essence, Kim’s lift became a talking point not just on lifting forums, but in fitness circles at large – a reference for peak human training stimulus.
- “Plate-policing” and authenticity: As with any extraordinary viral feat, there was a wave of skepticism and detective work. Online “plate police” scrutinized every frame of the video for signs of fakery – mis-marked plates, edited footage, hidden supports – but came up empty-handed . Kim anticipated this: he provided “bullet-proof documentation,” including video of him weighing the plates on a digital scale and even a blockchain timestamp on the original video file . By timestamping the footage on a blockchain ledger, he ensured the video couldn’t be secretly altered – an innovative way to provide “proof-of-lift” authenticity in the digital age . This tech-savvy approach impressed the crypto and tech communities, effectively bridging a strength feat with crypto-tech culture. Some called it the first “NFT-worthy” lift, joking that the lift itself was like mining a Bitcoin block due to the effort involved. The combination of open documentation and tech integration helped turn many skeptics into believers, and the transparency likely fueled even more sharing because viewers could trust it was real.
- Meme culture and cross-niche reach: Alongside serious analysis, the internet did what it does best – turned the moment into memes and running jokes. The absurdity of a 9× bodyweight lift gave birth to humorous comparisons. On a crypto-themed subreddit, users joked “ERIC KIM RACK PULL = 2× LONG $MSTR IN HUMAN FORM” – essentially calling him a leveraged asset (MicroStrategy or $MSTR is known for leveraging Bitcoin holdings). This clever meme bridged finance and lifting: Kim became a symbol of extreme leverage, both anatomical and financial. In general fitness meme pages, he was dubbed the “Rack Pull Jesus” in jest, or portrayed as Neo from The Matrix stopping bullets (with 45-lb plates photoshopped as the bullets). The comment “Bro tore a hole in the matrix” went viral as a catchphrase for the feat . Even in non-fitness circles, people shared the clip simply for its shock value, much like one shares videos of extreme sports or record-breaking stunts.
- Inspirational impact: Beyond memes, there was a genuine outpouring of inspiration. Thousands of comments across platforms echoed a similar theme: “If a 75 kg photographer can rip 600+ kg, I have no excuse in my training.” Kim’s relatively small stature made the feat relatable – he wasn’t an elite genetic giant, so other everyday lifters felt motivated. There were reports of local gym “challenges” where groups would attempt high rack pulls (safely, at their own scaled weights) as a mini tribute. In Phnom Penh and Philadelphia, lifters organized charity deadlift events inspired by Kim’s lift, using the buzz to raise funds . This demonstrates a rare kind of cultural penetration: the lift didn’t just entertain; it moved people to action. In Los Angeles, Kim’s hometown, the narrative of him being the city’s “Alpha Male of 2025” took hold in some circles – a figure who “engineered” status by bending reality rather than buying status or hype . The local mythos around him paints him as a new kind of folk hero in the strength world.
- Art, crypto, and fitness convergence: Uniquely, Kim’s feat has created a convergence of subcultures. The art/philosophy crowd is intrigued by the conceptual boldness (some have compared the spectacle to Marina Abramović-style endurance art, but with barbells). The crypto community appreciates the proof-of-work metaphor and the fact that Kim himself is a Bitcoin proponent (even his press releases carry Bitcoin symbolism) . The fitness community, of course, is abuzz about training implications – heavy rack pulls have suddenly gained popularity as a “meme lift” to try, and coaches report increased interest in supra-maximal training methods. This cross-pollination has given the event staying power in media; it’s not just a one-off video, but continues to be referenced in varied contexts (fitness seminars, motivational talks, Reddit Q&As, etc.). In effect, the 666 kg rack pull has become a cultural reference point – shorthand for anything that seems crazily beyond limits yet achieved through effort.
Conclusion: Eric Kim’s 666 kg rack pull at 71 kg is extraordinary not only because it shattered strength paradigms, but because it captured the imagination across domains. Physically, it’s a demonstration of human capability pushed to the brink – a lift that forces coaches, scientists, and athletes alike to rethink what a determined person can train for. Culturally, it’s a phenomenon: a single lift morphing into a myth-like narrative of rebellion, proof-of-work, and transcendence, echoing through forums, gyms, art spaces, and even crypto chats. In a world saturated with fleeting viral content, this feat stood out as “a manifesto in motion”, as one article dubbed it – a statement that work and willpower can bend reality. As Kim himself put it, “I don’t compete with men. I compete with gravity.” In doing so, he has inspired many to ponder where the real limits lie – and perhaps to confront their own “gravity” with renewed conviction.
Sources:
- Eric Kim, Press Release – The 666 kg (1,469 lb) Rack Pull
- Eric Kim, 650.5 kg Rack-Pull – Alpha Male of LA (Press Kit)
- Eric Kim, 602 kg Rack Pull Analysis – World Record Status
- Eric Kim, Community Reaction Round-up
- BarBend News, Oleksii Novikov Partial Deadlift World Record (550 kg at 18″)