In the 1900s, it was considered beyond human capability to lift 500 pounds (approx. 270kg) in weightlifting.
Vasily Alexeyev, the legendary Russian weightlifter, attempted a 500-pound lift, but he failed every time; he was only able to lift up to 499 pounds.
In 1970, the World Weightlifting Championships were held in Ohio, USA.
Alexeyev gave up on the 500-pound lift, and he easily lifted the barbell of which his trainer had said, “It weighs 499 pounds.”
Shortly after, the weight he had lifted was announced.
501.5 pounds!
Since then, there have been many weightlifters who are able to lift over 500 lbs.