Real-Life Superhuman Strongman Lifts Helicopter on Shoulders in Austria

The Definition of a Superhuman is someone who shows exceptional ability or powers. Franz Muellner of Austria certainly matches this description.

Referred to with much admiration by his fans as ‘The Austrian Superman’ or ‘Austrian Rock’ Franz Muellner of Salzburg, Austria this week attempted an epic feat of strength and endurance by lifting the weight of a helicopter on his shoulders; a whopping 661 KG’s held on himself for over 30 seconds. The stunt took place in the picturesque mountains of Katschberg in Austria and we were there to witness in real-time what constitutes as a brand new world record achievement .. or in other words, something no other person on Planet Earth is able to do, or has officially done yet.

Franz Muellner, who is already a multiple world record holder, is renowned for executing extreme feats of strength with the ease of someone who is clearly a real-life super-human. He has pulled the weight of planes, trains, automobiles and can push and pull over a tonne … and as he told us in his own words “I am like Superman!”

on Aug 13, 2017 at 6:02pm PDT

A big softie away from the heavy-lifting and extreme displays of strength, Franz was relaxed during the build-up to the stunt and told Newsivity how joking around and having a laugh was what makes him not feel any fear before highly dangerous stunts like this one:

“I am the Austrian Rock, and I am the strongest extreme sports person on Planet Earth. In the words of our other famous Austrian strongman Arnold Schwarzenegger, I’ll always be back… for bigger and even more extreme stunts!” he said.

He also told Newsivity:

“I’ve taken things to the limit ever since I was a young kid. I always went that one step too far when younger, and I still do the same now. My whole family are just like that, and I will carry on pushing the limits as long as I can!”

Muellner beat his own previously held record of 560 kg (1,234 lb) also lifted on his shoulders for over 30 seconds, and measured accurately with a set of digital scales attached to the helipad whilst the helicopter lands on the sturdy wooden frame that Muellner partly lifts. The previous record was achieved on the set of tv show El Show Olímpico, in Mexico City, Mexico, on 31 July 2008.

Earlier this year Muellner attempted to better his own record on the seventh series of Italy’s Lo Show dei Record, but on this occasion his re-attempt was unsuccessful.

On the 7th of August 2017 however, he was successful and the new world record for Heaviest Weight Lifted on Shoulders now stands at a whopping 661 KG’s and was set in the highly picturesque mountains of Katschberg in Austria.

And what makes the achievement even more incredible, is that Muellner set his brand new world record despite having broken his toe a few nights before the attempt. He did this during a training session where he was lifting a tree weighing over 100 KG’s, and it fell and painfully crushed his foot in the process.

“Lifting a Helicopter on your shoulders is probably not the best thing to do after breaking your toe, but I never let anything stop me from achieving my goals,” Muellner told Newsivity.

Franz also described the rigorous training regime and diet plan he abides by in order to achieve some of the incredible feats of strength he has displayed over the years:

“I eat everything in big portions. Eggs, Meat, Pasta, Rice, Chips … all has to be big! I also train with very heavy weights and do the usual bench presses, deadlifts, squats, etc. I prefer to train in the outdoors with nature all around me, just like Rocky Balboa! The mountain air of Austria helps me while I lift big trees, heavy stones, large wheels, carts and also cars,” Muellner told Newsivity.

We asked Franz why he keeps wishing to push himself to such extreme levels of strength and endurance.. and what it is that inspires him to do so:

“By pushing oneself beyond the expected human limitations, you reach a place where you are forced to look at the world in a very different way. The world is not what we are shown in the news channels, and on the tv. The world and its people are incredible, and we all have the ability to go beyond what is expected. I want to be known as one of the strongest men on earth, and then I want to do what all of us deep down want to do.. and that’s make the world a better place,” Muellner told Newsivity.

After spending time with Franz Muellner, you forget that he is pound-for-pound one of the strongest men in the world. You look beyond the aesthetics of his large frame, and the roaring sound he makes when he is pushing himself beyond his own limitations. When around him, what is most apparent is that he has a great spirit, and he carries with him a great sense of responsibility to inspire all around him, and to do as much good for others through his incredible superhuman abilities and his even stronger drive to keep pushing for more.

Franz Muellner may be one of the strongest men on planet earth, but he’s also one of the nicest guys you will meet. If ever you need something heavy lifted, pushed or pulled, or if you just need some odd jobs done around the house, Muellner is your man and we are sure he would be happy to oblige.

He may just also scare your cat so beware… and to the wider members of Team Franz and his many adoring fans in Austria and beyond, without you supporting the Austrian Rock as he goes about teaching us all to push beyond our own self-imposed boundaries, he really couldn’t do what he does and we are certain he isn’t about to stop anytime soon.

You can also check out a 360 degree view from the actual moments of the Helicopter stunt (make sure your internet browser allows for VR and 360 degree video viewing) via:

B-ROLL of our Video and a press pack with high-res photos for global PRESS and TV is available on request via:

Filming / Edit / Words: / Guavo Media

Special Thanks to: Team Franz: (Max, Andreas and Franz himself.)