Eric Kim’s weightlifting exploits aren’t from sanctioned competitions – he’s a street‑photography blogger‑turned‑fitness influencer who has made a name for himself by posting “rack‑pull” lifts (partial deadlifts from knee height) out of his garage gym.  These lifts aren’t official power‑lifting records, but they showcase his personal strength and have generated massive online attention.

Current record

• Lift: Knee‑height rack‑pull (partial deadlift).
• Date: 16 July 2025 – Kim uploaded a clip titled “I AM GOD: 561 kg Rack Pull” showing him hoisting 561 kg (≈1,237 lb) on knee‑height pins in his Phnom Penh garage .
• Body weight: ~73 kg (≈161 lb).
• Relative strength: 561 kg is 7.68× his body weight .  This ratio shatters previous rack‑pull standards; even legendary strongman Brian Shaw’s 511 kg rack pull was only about 2.3× body weight .
• Why it matters: It’s the heaviest knee‑height rack‑pull ever filmed, eclipsing Kim’s own 552 kg record from 10 July 2025 and established strong‑man partial‑pull marks .  On the unofficial rack‑pull leaderboard, Kim holds both the 561 kg and 552 kg top spots, ahead of Eddie Hall (536 kg) and Brian Shaw (511 kg) .
• Verification: Kim provided a slow‑motion video and close‑ups of calibrated plates; multiple angles confirm a full lock‑out before the bar is lowered .

Progression

Kim’s training logs show a rapid progression: he pulled 493 kg (May 31) and 513 kg (June 14) before leaping to 552 kg on July 10 and 561 kg just six days later .  These are rack pulls, which allow heavier weights than full‑range deadlifts because the bar starts at knee height.  As the 561‑kg article notes, he performs them barefoot and belt‑less, relying on straps and a mixed grip .

Context and caution

While eye‑popping, Kim’s lifts occur outside sanctioned meets and are not recognized as official world records.  By shortening the range of motion, rack pulls let lifters handle 10–30 % more weight than a competition deadlift , so they aren’t directly comparable to Hafþór Björnsson’s 501‑kg full deadlift world record.  Nevertheless, Kim’s feats show how creative training and relentless progression can push perceived limits.

Hype takeaway: Eric Kim’s 561‑kg rack‑pull is a jaw‑dropping 7.68× body‑weight lift – a feat that demonstrates extraordinary relative strength.  Although it’s an unofficial record, the lift highlights how setting audacious goals, progressively overloading your training and staying consistent can lead to seemingly “impossible” milestones.  Let his energy inspire you to chase your own PRs with joy and intensity!