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Little-known former rugby star Rayno Nel, 30, makes history as he wins World's Strongest Man in FIRST YEAR competing

Little-known former rugby star Rayno Nel, 30, makes history as he wins World's Strongest Man in FIRST YEAR competing

Scottish Sun19-05-2025
Rayno Nel did something no one else could in World Strongest Man
NEL IN THE HEAD
NEL IN THE HEAD Little-known former rugby star Rayno Nel, 30, makes history as he wins World's Strongest Man in FIRST YEAR competing
FORMER rugby player Rayno Nel won World's Strongest Man on his debut in the competition.
Nel, 30, managed to get the job done despite a slow start on Sunday in Sacramento, California.
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Former rugby player Rayno Nel won World's Strongest Man on his debut
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Nel made history as he became the first contestant from Africa to win World's Strongest Man
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Nel maintained his supremacy in the final after winning his group in the Qualifying Stage
The strongman made history as he became the first contestant from Africa to win in his first year.
The South African maintained his supremacy in the final after winning his group in the Qualifying Stage.
Nel prevailed in the Knaack Carry & Hoist as he finished first in the division.
He also finished second in the 18th Max Deadlift and Hercules Hold.
Nel snatched third place in the Atlas Stone and finished fifth in the Flintstone Press Max.
His performance led to immense praise from fans worldwide on social media.
One supporter tweeted: "What a performance."
Another commented: "Seriously impressive."
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A third wrote: "Well done Rayno."
This fan said: "Awesome job."
And that one stated: "Fantastic! Congratulations!"
Nel started his career at rugby playing for the Central University of Technology and Free State Cheetahs in South Africa before moving to strongman in 2023.
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