Rauno Heinla

Rauno Heinla (born 7 June 1982) is an Estonian professional strongman competitor. He is a specialist in the deadlift events and is regarded as one of the best deadlifters in the world.

Strongman career Born in Tartu, Estonia, Rauno started his Strongman career in 2000 in the local strongman competition Kõrveküla rammumees. He won his first national title by winning the Estonia's Strongest Man competition in 2008. He's the only Estonian to win this title 6 times following in the footsteps of Tarmo Mitt and Andrus Murumets (who both won 5 times each). For most of his career, Rauno trained with fellow Estonian Strongman Lauri Nämi.

Rauno identifies heavy stones and deadlift for reps as his favourite events, and also recognizes that he needs to improve his truck pulls and super yokes.

In his career spanning 22 years, Rauno has competed in over 45 international competitions and 8 single event contests. He has done it both in conventional and sumo variations.

On December 3, 2023, Rauno participated in the Official Strongman Games 40s class, and won his first Masters title, adding to 2nd-place finish he earned in 2022.

Personal records Deadlift (with suit and straps) – (2022 Giants Live World Open) (Masters World Record) → Rauno has also done a Sumo deadlift of (with suit and straps) during training. Elephant bar Deadlift (Raw w/ straps) – (2019 Arnold Strongman Classic) Deadlift (for reps) (with suit and straps) – x 6 reps (World's Ultimate Strongman) (Feats of Strength series, 2020) (former world record) Atlas Stones – 5 stone set in 21.20 seconds (2021 Europe's Strongest Man) Atlas Stone over bar – x 8 reps over a 4 ft 3 in (51 in) bar (2014 SCL Savickas Classic) (World Record) Arm over arm sled pull – for 25m course in 12.67 seconds (2019 Arnold South America) (World Record)