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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 Citizen
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
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.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Little-known former rugby star Rayno Nel, 30, makes history as he wins World's Strongest Man in FIRST YEAR competing
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. 3 Former rugby player Rayno Nel won World's Strongest Man on his debut 3 Nel made history as he became the first contestant from Africa to win World's Strongest Man 3 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." CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 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.
The Irish Sun
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
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. 3 Former rugby player Rayno Nel won World's Strongest Man on his debut 3 Nel made history as he became the first contestant from Africa to win World's Strongest Man 3 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. Read More on Rugby 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." Most read in Rugby Union CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 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.
TimesLIVE
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Cassper Nyovest sets his sights on filling Free State Stadium in December
Cassper Nyovest has announced he'll be taking his Fill Up concert to the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on December 6. Taking to social media on Tuesday, the rapper reflected on his previous concerts when sharing the news. 'Bloemfontein. Home of Masele (yah le nou). Home of the Free State Cheetahs. Home of the second highest court in South Africa. Hosh Karamaima capital (mare nna I'm married bathong), Centre of the Free State. Bana ba ga Oumama. We heard you, kele utlwile December 6 Free State Stadium. Re on on on. It's official, Bloem the next host for Fill Up.' The Free State Stadium has a capacity for 46,000, and many on social media asked if the rapper will be able to fill the venue.
