Latest news with #RaynoNel
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.
eNCA
25-05-2025
- Sport
- eNCA
Rayno Nel becomes first African to win title of World Strongest Man
JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's Rayno Nel caused one of the biggest upsets in World's Strongest Man History as he clinched a 0.5-point victory to become the first African to win the World's Strongest Man. Coming into day two 9-points adrift, defending champion, Tom Stoltman, claimed victories in both of Sunday's events, but ultimately fell just half a point short of taking a fourth title. With the destination of Strongman's biggest prize coming down to the final pairing in the Atlas Stones, former rugby player and engineer, Nel, took the win by less than a second.
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!
eNCA
22-05-2025
- Sport
- eNCA
World's strongest man champion aims to grow strength sport in SA
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
The South African
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Gayton McKenzie congratulates Rayno Nel on World's Strongest Man win
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has congratulated Rayno Nel for becoming the first African win the prestigious World's Strongest Man title. 'South Africa is beaming with pride as the rookie competitor made history on the global stage over the weekend in Sacramento, United States of America. It was not just a personal victory, but a continental milestone,' the department's statement read. As a former Cheetahs rugby player turned world champion strongman, the department said Nel showed the world what South Africans are made of – 'grit, determination, and unstoppable courage'. RELATED | Rayno Nel wins World's Strongest Man title: The dawn of the athletic era is HERE At the end of 2024, South Africa hosted the Strongman Champions League for the first time, with the vision of someday seeing a South African reach the top of this sport. 'For it to have happened this quickly, however, was a welcome surprise.' From his Varsity Cup days at Central University of Technology (CUT) to lifting the ultimate title in strength sports, the department stated that Nel's journey has been one of sheer resilience and national pride. 'His win is a reminder that greatness does not ask for permission, it announces itself. And Rayno, in his rookie season, announced South Africa's presence in this global sport in the boldest way possible.' The Minister recalled how Nel, who weighs 148kg and is the first rookie to win the competition since 1997, reached out to him for support in the early stages of his journey in strongman competitions. 'When Rayno approached me, he spoke with humility but had the fire of a champion. I told him then that I would stand behind him. Today, South Africa and the entire African continent celebrate with him.' The World's Strongest Man competition is designed to push the strongmen to their absolute limits, challenging not only their physical strength, but their agility and mental toughness too. McKenzie saluted Nel for his passion and perseverance. 'To see him raise the South African flag on such a massive platform, and to hear his words of pride for his country, is a moment I, and this nation, will not forget. 'South Africa salutes you,' McKenzie added. 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.
