Haugen developed a passion for size and strength at a very young age. He used barbells and dumbbells made out of birch trees and took metal shop courses to gain knowledge on how to build strength training equipment.[4] By 1970, Haugen became the Norwegian national bodybuilding champion by winning Mr. Norway title at the age of 20. Around this time, he also held the Norwegian junior deadlift record with 265 kg (584 lb). He then moved to the United States and earned a bachelor's degree in sports physiology and a master's degree in Business Administration. Haugen played football, wrestled, and threw shot put and discus at Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College). Haugen earned three NCAA All-American accolades in the shot put (1971, 1972, 1973). Shortly after graduating from Western Maryland in 1973, Haugen had a short stint in the National Football League. He was signed by the Washington Redskins and then the San Francisco 49ers. However, he played in preseason games only. In the 80s, Haugen invested in combining his interests in sport and business by opening health and fitness clubs in San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland and Marin County. In the 90s he moved to Hawaii and continued with his sports business.
In 1995 and 1998 respectively, Haugen started his journeys in powerlifting and strongman. He squatted 280 kg (617 lb), deadlifted 320 kg (705 lb),[3] won 1997 USPF Masters National Powerlifting Championship, won the 1999 AFSA Strongest Man in America,[4] and podiumed twice in the America's Strongest Man and four-times in the Norway's Strongest Man.[1] Even in his 50s, Haugen competed in the World's Strongest Man competition three times in 2001, 2002 and in 2006 set a record as competitions' oldest ever athlete at 56.[5]
However, Haugen is most noteworthy for his exceptional grip strength.[2][6]
Millennium Dumbbell 105 kg (231 lb) – one hand lift [first man to achieve this feat] (joint-world record)[7]
Inch Dumbbell 78 kg (172 lb) – one hand lift (63 reps within 10 minutes) (World record)[4](Haugen has also done 65 reps with a slightly lighter 76 kg (168 lb) replica)[8]
Both hands lift – (two dumbbells/ one per each hand) x 5 reps[9]
Extra thick grip Circus Dumbbell 81.7 kg (180 lb) – one hand lift[10](the diameter of the handle of this dumbbell is 3", which is 0 5⁄8" thicker than both millennium and inch dumbbells which has a thickness of 2 3⁄8" each)
