Powerhouse from Krugersdorp named World's Strongest Man
Krugersdorp's very own Rayno Nel has done his country and community proud by securing a sweet victory at the recent World's Strongest Man competition held in California, United States of America.
• Also read: Krugersdorp's Rayno crowned International Strongman
What makes this achievement even more impressive is that Rayno has only been participating in the sport for two years, having previously been a rugby player.
In June last year, South Africa hosted the Strongman Champions League for the first time, with the vision of someday seeing a South African reach the pinnacle of this sport.
According to Rayno, for this to have happened so quickly was a welcome surprise. From his Varsity Cup days at the Central University of Technology to lifting the ultimate title in strength sports, Rayno's journey has been one of sheer resilience and national pride. His win serves as a reminder that greatness does not ask for permission; it announces itself. In his rookie season, Rayno boldly announced South Africa's presence in this global sport.
Weighing an astonishing 147kg and standing at an impressive 1.9 metres tall, he has always had the physical presence of a strongman. Rayno confirmed that he only began competing in strongman competitions in 2023, when he emerged victorious in his first-ever showing at South Africa's Strongest Man.
His impressive performances continued over the next couple of years, including winning the 2023 Africa's Strongest Man competition and finishing fourth at the Siberian Power Show last year.
Winning the global competition on his first attempt cannot be understated, as he broke further records, including being the first man from outside Europe or North America to take the title in the competition's 48-year history. Before his rugby career, Rayno played for the Free State Cheetahs. He grew up in Upington and went on to study in Bloemfontein before moving to Krugersdorp to be closer to his fiancée.
Rugby was what I thought I would do for my sports career.
'I didn't think I would do any sport ever again, but I always had this competitive side to me, so when I stopped playing rugby, I knew I needed to do something competitive. That's just who I am.'
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