Most presidential appearances involve speeches, handshakes and carefully planned photo opportunities.
Mongolia’s president Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh decided to add a 100kg bench press into the mix.
The 58-year-old has attracted attention online after producing an unexpected display of strength during a visit to a military unit, where he stepped up to the bench and knocked out 20 repetitions in front of watching officers and soldiers.
And he did it while dressed for presidential business, per News.com.au.
Khürelsükh arrived wearing a sharp suit before removing his jacket and getting himself into position on the bench.
What followed was considerably less conventional for a serving head of state.
With 100kg — around 220lbs — loaded up, the Mongolian president began pressing the weight for an impressive 20 repetitions.
There was no need for a change into gym gear or an elaborate warm-up routine. After finishing his set, Khürelsükh got back to presidential duties, shaking hands with those around him before putting his suit jacket back on.
Footage of the moment has since spread across Instagram, Facebook and X, with the sight of a serving president casually putting up 100kg for a high-rep set proving an obvious talking point.
However, Khürelsükh’s willingness to get underneath a loaded barbell is perhaps less surprising when looking at his background.
Before entering politics, the Mongolian leader served in the Mongolian People’s Army and was previously an army officer.
He also has a background in bodybuilding and martial arts, meaning his performance on the bench didn’t exactly come from nowhere.
Khürelsükh has served as Mongolia’s president since 2021, but his interests away from politics extend well beyond lifting weights.
The president also plays guitar in a rock band called ‘Pals’, adding another unexpected string to his bow.
And when he isn’t dealing with politics, playing guitar or apparently putting up serious numbers on the bench press, Khürelsükh has another passion.
He is the founder of a Harley-Davidson fan club.
Still, it is his strength that has now put him firmly in the social media spotlight.
Watching a president remove his suit jacket and start bench pressing in the middle of an official military visit isn’t exactly an everyday sight.
Doing it with 100kg on the bar makes it even more unusual.
And completing 20 repetitions before simply getting back up, greeting those around him and slipping his jacket back on made the entire sequence look remarkably routine.
For Khürelsükh, it appeared to be another part of the visit.
For everyone watching online, it was a presidential appearance they probably weren’t expecting.
Featured image credit: davaadorj.davaanyam / Instagram
