Strongman claims latest world record by pulling 21,000-lb bus with his NECK
Strongman Egmond Molina (Aruba) has claimed the latest in a string of impressive world records by moving a bus with nothing but his neck.
The 49-year-old smashed the record for heaviest vehicle pulled by the neck when he dragged a bus weighing 9,860 kg (21,737 lb) over a 20-m course on 9 January.
He beat the previous record of 8,060 kg (17,769.26 lbs) set by Dmytro Hrunskyi (Ukraine) in 2024.
But this is just the latest in a long list of strength records Egmond has claimed through sheer grit and determination.
He’s done it all to make his four kids, Nigel, Egmond Junior, Benjamin, and Adelinda proud.
He said: “My mission is to leave a legacy of discipline for them and for the youth of my island.
Egmond pulling a bus with his neck
“It is a privilege to share my journey. As a representative of my beautiful home, Aruba, a small island with a population of only 110,000. I aim to show the world that greatness can come from even the smallest corners of the globe.
“My records are a tribute to my people and my family’s enduring legacy.”
He also said he dedicates his career to his grandparents.
Egmond lifting weight with his mouth
Egmond, who has earned the nickname “Human Crane”, currently has 10 records to his name, having also broken:
- The heaviest weight supported with the mouth on parallel bars - 90.3 kg (199.1 lbs)
- The heaviest weight supported with the mouth on parallel bars whilst maintaining a horizontal body position - 90.30 kg (199.07 lbs)
- The fastest 20 m bus pull with one finger (male) - 33.32 sec
- The most crown cap bottles opened with both hands in 30 seconds - 6
- The heaviest weight lifted from a platform with a hip belt (male) - 1,002 kg (2,209 lb)
- The fastest 20 m tram pull with teeth (male) - 39.9 sec
- The fastest 20 m tram pull with one finger (male) - 38.60 sec
- The fastest hot water bottle burst (male) - 2.87 seconds
- The heaviest deadlift with one finger - 159 kg (350.53 lb)
Egmond performing a one-finger deadlift
Working as a specialized strength consultant, Egmond knows exactly what it takes to push himself to record-breaking limits.
He told us: “My motivation is rooted in the scientific study of human potential. One of my greatest achievements is the platform lift, where I hoisted 1,002 kg (2,209 lbs) off the ground using a hip belt system. At a body weight of only 87 kg, this lift represents an extraordinary strength-to-weight ratio, pushing beyond the traditional limits of elite powerlifters.”
After breaking so many records, it could be tough for Egmond to pick a favourite, but he admitted the one-finger deadlift has a special place in his heart.
Egmond pulling a bus with his teeth
“Reclaiming the world mark with 159 kg (350.5 lb) in early 2026 was a victory for ‘specialized functional power’,” he said, “proving that small muscle groups can be trained to handle massive loads.”
Read about more records like this in our dedicated Sports and Fitness section.
It’s his latest stunt that proved to be the most significant yet, with the bus he was pulling with his neck restricting his oxygen intake dramatically.
Egmond pulling a tram with one finger
He explained: “With the rope compressing my airway, I must generate force while carefully controlling my breathing under intense strain. It becomes a psychological battle to remain composed while the body is under severe stress.
“This challenge is made even more significant by the injuries I have sustained throughout my journey. During the bus pull, I tore the skin on my finger. The 90-kg teeth lift caused severe inflammation in my jaw. While performing the 1-ton platform lift, I injured my knee, and during the tram pull, I suffered a 1.2 cm tear in my right shoulder.”
He added: “Despite these setbacks, I continued through disciplined rehabilitation, therapy, and an unwavering drive to succeed. Some of my records were achieved while managing these injuries, for example, performing lifts with an open finger wound and continuing despite my knee injury. The tear in my shoulder remains to this day.
“My ability to overcome these challenges comes down to determination, resilience, and a relentless commitment to achieving my goals.”
Egmond says his training is an “engineering process” and that he applies principles such as Wolff’s Law, which states healthy bones adapt over time to the loads placed on them.
Right now, the athlete is training towards performing an even heavier one-finger deadlift, but above all else, he’s proud to represent his nation.
He said: “Achieving a record is a victory for the 110,000 people of Aruba. It brings a sense of peace, knowing I have represented my island on a global stage alongside some of the strongest athletes in the world.
"The energy in San Nicolaas and Simeon Antonio drives me forward. My community is the wind in my sails.”