logo
World's strongest man champion aims to grow strength sport in SA

World's strongest man champion aims to grow strength sport in SA

eNCA22-05-2025

JOHANNESBURG - The world's strongest man is back on home soil and says he now wants to use all his power to help grow the sport in South Africa.
Rayno Nel arrived back in the country, after he became the first South African to claim this world title.
The 30-year old, originally from Upington in the Northern Cape, shocked friend and foe alike when he won the World Strongest Man-competition in California.
What makes the former rugby player's achievement even more significant is that he only started competing in the sport in the last two years. And this past weekend he had to compete against the world's top strongmen.
Before focusing on his next move in the sport Nel wants to spend some quality time with his new wife - he got married just two months ago.
By: Percivale Young

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Diepkloof sensei officiates top regional karate event
Diepkloof sensei officiates top regional karate event

The Citizen

timean hour ago

  • The Citizen

Diepkloof sensei officiates top regional karate event

Diepkloof's very own sensei, Thabo Molubi of the Kofukan South Africa Karate Team, has once again made the township proud. This time, he represented the country as a referee at the SADC Region South Karate Championships, held in Durban from May 23 to 25. This annual tournament is one of the most prestigious karate events in the Southern African region. Last year, it was hosted in Swakopmund, Namibia. 'This year, the championships were originally set to take place in Botswana, but due to logistical challenges, the event was relocated to Durban, South Africa,' said Sensei Molubi. ALSO READ: Saint Stithians' Saints SportsFest closes with a bang 'The tournament attracts karatekas from across the SADC region, including Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Angola, South Africa, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Lesotho.' More than 500 karate athletes participated, and Durban's shores welcomed tourists and supporters from all across Southern Africa. Molubi was selected by Karate South Africa to serve as a technical official and referee. He also holds a position on the SADC Region South Referees Commission, by virtue of his role as Chairman of the Referees Commission for Karate South Africa. ALSO READ: Development rugby takes centre stage at Saints SportsFest day 4 'During the first two days, we conducted referee and coach courses and managed the weigh-ins for all athletes. I was honoured to be appointed as a Tatami Manager for the actual competition,' he shared. Molubi noted the high standard of competition and the fierce determination shown by all participating countries. 'Saturday was dedicated mainly to kata events, followed later by children's kumite. South African athletes performed exceptionally well, winning most of the kata divisions,' he added. The energy in the venue was electric, with spectators—particularly parents—turning out in large numbers to cheer on the athletes and support the event's positive cause. The South African senior women's team triumphed over Angola in the finals, securing a gold medal and a trophy. The senior men's team also claimed victory against Angola in a tightly contested final match, winning by a narrow point margin. South Africa closed the championships with an outstanding performance, finishing with 56 gold, 43 silver and 56 bronze medals. This brought the country's total to an impressive 155 medals. ALSO READ: It's a wrap for day 3 of St Stithians sports festival 'I felt truly proud to represent South Africa and my township of Diepkloof,' said Molubi. 'I encourage all parents to get their children involved in sport. It opens doors and creates opportunities for the youth. Anyone interested in joining our Kofukan South Africa Karate Team is welcome to contact me at 079 921 3600.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

From weights to wins and wisdom
From weights to wins and wisdom

The Citizen

timean hour ago

  • The Citizen

From weights to wins and wisdom

For Kelin Mills, Strongman is not just a sport, it's a calling. To get into the world of Strongman, Kelin was inspired by the great athletes like Bill Kazmaier, Brian Shaw and Big Z. Watching them lift massive weights and tackle insane challenges made Kelin realise he wanted to test his own limits and see how far he could push himself. Even though Kelin began his strength training journey by dipping his toes into bodybuilding first, he soon discovered that posing on stage wasn't his style. 'I've always had an interest in being stronger; I met Tristen Obrien started training. Later we met one of our mentors, Ettiene Smit, a legend in the sport and a SA Strongman and World Strongest Man competitor,' he shares. With titles like South Africa's Strongest Man (2018 and 2019) and Africa's Strongest Man (2022) under his belt, Kelin's journey into the world of Strongman competition is as strong as his weightlifting abilities. Also read: Gauteng's strongest men lift for a good cause 'I train four to five times a week. I usually split it into two days of event-specific Strongman training, like Atlas Stones, log presses, yoke carries,' he explains. The remaining two to three days, he focuses on foundational lifts like squats, deadlifts, overhead pressing, plus accessory work for weak points and conditioning. In his journey, Kelin has dealt with a few setbacks as he has had his fair share of injuries. 'I've dealt with some back and shoulder strains as well as pec tears over the years. Recovery involved a lot of physical therapy, mobility work and dialling back on intensity to rebuild strength safely. 'Learning to listen to my body and train smarter has been key. I've also torn the ligaments in my left knee and had to have surgery on the meniscus, MCL and ACL,' Kelin expresses. To balance his intense routine with everyday life, Kelin works around his schedule, makes time to recover from his injuries, and his family and friends understand and always back him up. His message to those who want to come into the Strongman World is to start small, be patient, and enjoy the process. 'Build a solid base before jumping into the crazy stuff. And remember, it's supposed to be fun.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Fun facts about the Comrades Marathon
Fun facts about the Comrades Marathon

eNCA

time2 hours ago

  • eNCA

Fun facts about the Comrades Marathon

DURBAN - More than 22,000 runners will line up in Pietermaritzburg to take on the 98th edition of the Comrades Marathon on Sunday. This year's race will be a down run from Pietermaritzburg City Hall to Durban. Here are some fascinating facts that capture the spirit and history of the race. Founded in 1921 by World War I veteran Vic Clapham, the Comrades Marathon was created to honour South African soldiers who died during the war. The first race saw 34 starters, with only 16 finishing, laying the foundation for a global sporting legacy. Recognised as the largest and oldest ultramarathon, the Comrades covers approximately 86–90 kilometres (depending on the route) between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It draws elite athletes and amateurs from around the world. The race alternates direction each year: The 'up run' starts in Durban and ends in Pietermaritzburg, while the 'down run' reverses the route. Each direction presents unique challenges, with the up run featuring more climbs and the down run known for punishing descents. In 2022, Tete Dijana set the men's down run record with a time of 5:13:58, while Gerda Steyn holds the women's down run record at 5:44:54, also set in 2022. These times reflect an astonishing pace for nearly 90 km. Wally Hayward, a five-time winner, became the oldest finisher in 1989 at age 80, completing the race 58 years after his first victory in 1930. His enduring legacy inspires runners of all ages. The Comrades is steeped in tradition, starting with a gunshot and the playing of Chariots of Fire and Sweet Caroline. Another unique ritual is the exchange of a greeting letter between the mayors of Durban and Pietermaritzburg at the finish. The Comrades Marathon House in Pietermaritzburg houses a museum showcasing medals, memorabilia, photographs, and a detailed route model, offering fans a deep dive into the race's history.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store