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The Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- 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!
The South African
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
South African Rayno Nel makes history as 'World's Strongest Man'
South Africa has a new sporting hero. Rayno Nel, a 30-year-old former rugby player from Bloemfontein, has just been crowned the World's Strongest Man. This victory marks a historic first—not only for South Africa but for the entire African continent and the southern hemisphere. Nel's triumph in Sacramento stunned the strongman world. In his debut at the World's Strongest Man final, he edged out defending champion Tom Stoltman by a razor-thin margin of just 0.5 points. The final event, the legendary Atlas Stones, saw Nel load the fourth stone mere fractions of a second ahead of his rivals, according to Good Things Guy. This clutch performance sealed his victory with a final score of 47 to Stoltman's 46.5. Canada's Mitchell Hooper finished third with 43.5 points. Nel's journey to global dominance is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Upington and raised in the rugby heartland of Bloemfontein, he played rugby for the Central University of Technology and the Free State Cheetahs. After retiring from rugby in 2019 to work as an electrical engineer, Nel discovered strongman competitions in 2023. He quickly made his mark, winning South Africa's Strongest Man twice and claiming Africa's Strongest Man titles in 2023 and 2024. He also dominated the 2024 Strongman Champions League season, becoming the world series champion. At the 2025 World's Strongest Man finals, Nel wasted no time making his presence felt. On Day 1, he won the opening KNAACK Carry & Hoist and placed second in both the 18-inch deadlift and the Hercules Hold. These results gave him a commanding lead of roughly seven points going into Day 2. Although Stoltman fought back with wins in the later events, Nel's early cushion proved decisive. Nel said, 'To represent South Africa in any way whatsoever feels surreal. We're a small country with many struggles, so this means so much to my people.' He added with a smile, 'I couldn't enjoy my favourite Black Label lager here in California, so I'll have to try American beer tonight.' The reaction back home was electric. South Africans from Cape Town to Johannesburg flooded social media with pride. The official South African Government Twitter account congratulated Nel, tweeting: 'HISTORY MADE! Congratulations to Rayno Nel, Africa's first-ever World's Strongest Man champion!' Nel's win is more than just a personal achievement. It's a beacon of hope and a symbol of possibility for South Africa's 'rainbow nation.' He is proof that with determination and hard work, even the strongest titles in sport are within reach. Nel remains humble and hungry. 'My strength came up fast, and I'm still improving,' he said. South Africa can now celebrate not just a champion, but a legend in the making. The world has taken notice—and so has the whole of Mzansi. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Former Cheetahs player Rayno Nel wins World's Strongest Man title
In a monumental achievement for African sport, Rayno Nel, a former Cheetahs rugby player turned strongman, has been crowned the 2025 World's Strongest Man, becoming the first African to ever win the prestigious title in the event's 48-year history. Nel's victory also marks the first time a rookie has claimed the title since 1997, breaking long-standing regional dominance by European and North American athletes. 'I'm just over the moon,' Rayno Nel said after the final event in Sacramento. 'To represent South Africa in any way whatsoever feels surreal. I mean, we're a small country with a lot of struggles. To have something like this – I know it means a lot to my people.' Nel, 30, dominated the early stages of the final, finishing no worse than second in Saturday's three events. But looming ahead were his weakest events: the Flintstone Barbell, which involves overhead pressing 531 pounds, and the iconic Atlas Stones, where competitors lift a series of stones weighing up to 460 pounds. Making things even tougher, 2023 champion Mitch Hooper and three-time winner Tom Stoltman were close on his heels. 'Knowing your two worst events are coming up is tough. But knowing Mitch and Tom are behind you -that's something else,' Nel said. 'I just tried to stay focused and do as much damage control as I could.' In a nail-biting finale, Rayno Nel delivered a third-place finish in the Atlas Stones, doing just enough to edge out Stoltman by half a point and secure the championship. Just three years ago, Nel was still playing professional rugby, a sport he once assumed would define his athletic career. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 326 pounds (148kg), he realised he often overpowered larger opponents – and wondered if his strength could translate into something more. 'I always had a competitive streak,' he said. 'When I left rugby, I knew I needed something to push me again. That's just who I am.' Fate played a role, too. Nel happened to live just 5km from the top strongman training facility in South Africa, run by coach Terence Bosman. 'The strongman community is small back home. But I was lucky – I lived near the best place to train,' Nel said. Despite winning continental strongman contests prior to this, Nel said World's Strongest Man was a huge step up. Of the 25 global competitors, he had only faced one before. 'I wasn't star struck, but this stage is different,' he admitted. 'But I knew their numbers. Deep down, I knew I had a chance.' Rayno Nel's victory is more than personal – it's a symbolic breakthrough for a continent long underrepresented in global strength competitions. His win signals a new era, with Africa no longer just competing – but winning. When asked how he would celebrate, Nel laughed. 'Just a beer with my family,' he said, joking that his favourite South African brand, Black Label, might be hard to find in California. 'I'll try some American beer tonight.' Rayno Nel is now officially the strongest man in the world – and a national hero back home. Post your congratulations below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Tom Stoltman LOSES his crown as World's Strongest Man as Scot agonisingly pipped by just half a point
The Scot was going for an unprecedented fourth title and lost by the tightest of margins STRONGARMED Tom Stoltman LOSES his crown as World's Strongest Man as Scot agonisingly pipped by just half a point Tom Stoltman narrowly failed to become the World's Strongest Man for the fourth time after a dramatic last day of competition in the USA. The Scot and his older brother Luke both won their qualifying groups in this year's competition in Sacramento. Advertisement 3 Tom Stoltman agonisingly missed out on being named World's Strongest Man Credit: AFP 3 The Scot came within half a point of the title Credit: AFP 3 He would have been the first man to win the crown four times Credit: Alamy But Tom finished second, coming just half-a-point and agonisingly close to retaining his crown. Although he had lots of ground to make up going into the final day, sitting nine points behind leader South African Rayno Nel, Tom launched a huge comeback. His six reps were unbeaten by anyone else, earning him 9.5 points – and giving him a 2.5 point deficit to make up on the final event, the Atlas Stones, his best event. And he put in the top performance of any of the ten finalists – lifting five stones in 31.76 seconds. Advertisement Overall, that put him on a points tally of 46.5, meaning Nel had to put in a top-three performance in the Atlas Stones to earn at least eight points to finish at the top of the standings. Unfortunately for the Highlander, that is exactly what Nel did, lifting four stones in a time of 30.17 seconds to claim those eight points he needed. Nel was just 0.85 seconds ahead of Canadian Mitchell Hooper, but every fraction of that time was crucial as Nel claimed the World's Strongest Man title on debut by half a point. For Tom, though, he can at least celebrate a sixth podium place at the competition, moving him level on that front with fellow Brit Geoff Capes and Icelandic strongman Magnús Ver Magnússon. Advertisement Brother Luke finished ninth on a total of 21.5 points. The Invergordon brothers were two of 25 athletes from across the world who began the four day competition on Thursday. World's Strongest Man launches new career Tom, 30, regained his World Strongest Man title last year by 6.5 points from 2023 World Strongest Man Hooper. He also won the World's Strongest Man title in 2021 and 2022 and has been in the final six times. Advertisement Nicknamed The Highland Oak, Luke, 40, was appearing at the World's Strongest Man for the 10th time in his career and has appeared in the final five times. His best position in the final has been seventh, three times in 2019, 2021 and 2022. He has won Europe's Strongest Man twice in 2021 and 2024 and won Britain's Strongest Man for the first time in his career in February. Known as "The Albatross", Tom is only the seventh man in history to win the World Stongest Man title at least three times. Advertisement And in their home town in Easter Ross, the brothers have also been honoured. The town's road sign reads: "Welcome to Invergordon, Hometown of the Stoltman Brothers - World, European and UK Strongest Men." The signs were the brainchild of Invergordon Community Council, which was keen to honour the brothers. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
USA Today
19-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Rayno Nel wins 2025 World's Strongest Man, becoming first champion from Africa
Rayno Nel wins 2025 World's Strongest Man, becoming first champion from Africa For the first time, the World's Strongest Man hails from Africa. Rayno Nel, a South African rugby player turned strongman, held on to win Sunday in his World's Strongest Man debut — becoming the first man from outside Europe or Noth America to take the title in the competition's 48-year history. He is also the first rookie to win since 1997. "I'm just over the moon," he told USA TODAY Sports shortly after securing the title at the 2025 competition, held in Sacramento, California. "To represent (South Africa) in any way whatsoever, it feels surreal. I mean, we're a small country with a lot of struggles. To have something like this I know means a lot to my people." It was a stunning outcome, particularly given the circumstances — and the frantic finale. After building a sizable lead on the first day of the finals Saturday, Nel woke up Sunday morning knowing that his two worst events — including the storied Atlas Stones — were ahead of him. He also knew that the two men who had won each of the four previous Word's Strongest Man competitions were right behind him. "I think to have your two worst events coming up, that's one thing. But knowing that Mitch Hooper and Tom Stoltman are chasing you, with your worst events coming up, that's something different," Nel said. "I just tried to stay focused and do as much damage limitation as possible." Nel, 30, ultimately won by just half a point over Stoltman. Not bad for a guy who, at least as of three years ago, had only played rugby. "Rugby was what I thought I would do for my sport career. I didn't think I'd do any sport ever again," he said. "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." Nel, who is 6 feet 3 and weighs 326 pounds, has said he realized at one point that he had always had a bit more muscle over even larger opponents in rugby matches. So he decided to give strongman a try. He said he lucked out because his coach, Terence Bosman, had a world-class facility just a few miles from his house. "Although the strongman community is very small in South Africa, of the whole country, I lived 5 kilometers from the best place to train," Nel said. Though he had won continental strongman competitions before this week, Nel admitted that World's Strongest Man marked a massive step up. Of the 25 strongmen in the field, he had only competed against one of them before. He said it led to some nerves — errors — in the opening events. "Coming in, I won't say I was starstruck by everything, but World's Strongest Man is just such a big scene and competition," he said. "Luckily in the sport, I know what the other guys' numbers are. I know, pretty much, what they can do. So deep down, I knew there was a chance." Asked about how he would celebrate his win — and the history he made for his continent — Nel laughed. His only plan was to have a beer with his family, even if his preferred South African brand, Black Label, would likely be impossible to find. "I'll try out some American beer tonight," he said. Contact Tom Schad at tschad@ or on social media @
