Odd Haugen and the World Record Thomas Inch Dumbbell Lift

Conquering the Thomas Inch Dumbbell: Odd Haugen’s Record Lift

The Rogue Record Breakers Feat: 66 Lifts in 10 Minutes
At age 66, Odd Haugen took the stage at Rogue Record Breakers with one goal: complete 66 lifts of the Thomas Inch Dumbbell in 10 minutes. The crowd packed in close as he stepped up to the platform, knowing exactly what kind of fight this challenge demands. This wasn’t a simple show of strength—it was a test of grip endurance, pain tolerance, and the ability to stay locked in when fatigue hits fast.

What Is the Thomas Inch Dumbbell?
The Thomas Inch Dumbbell dates back to the early 1900s, created by British strongman Thomas Inch to defeat challengers. Weighing 172 pounds with a 2.38-inch non-rotating handle and a naturally unbalanced shape, it has earned a reputation as one of the most deceptive implements in strength culture. It looks manageable until you try to break it from the floor.

Why the Thomas Inch Dumbbell Is So Hard to Lift?
Lifting the Inch Dumbbell isn’t just about force. The oversized, thick handle prevents a full grip, the lack of rotation forces the bell to roll your hand open, and the uneven load punishes even small technique mistakes. Plenty of strong lifters have watched it rip straight out of their hands on the first attempt, an immediate reminder of where their grip strength really stands.

Odd Haugen: Grip Legend and Record Breaker
Odd Haugen has spent decades chasing and promoting the hardest grip feats in the strength world. His résumé spans Strongman, Highland Games, and grip-specific competitions, and he’s been a driving force behind bringing these challenges to bigger audiences. Setting out to lift the Inch Dumbbell 66 times at 66 wasn’t a gimmick, it was a reflection of the mindset that has defined his entire career.

Beyond the Dumbbell: The Challenge That Defines Strength
The Thomas Inch Dumbbell has humbled generations of lifters, and that’s exactly why it remains a staple in strength culture. Odd Haugen’s 66-lift effort at 66 exemplifies the grit and competitive spirit behind the implement’s legacy. Use it as inspiration to take on your own challenges—starting with building the grip strength that makes feats like this possible.

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