Former rugby player takes World's Strongest Man crown in shock win

Former Cheetahs and Central University of Technology back row Rayno Nel has made history by becoming the first African to win the World’s Strongest Man [WSM] competition, edging out defending champion Tom Stoltman in a dramatic finish in California.

The 30-year-old South African, who now weighs 148kg (over 23 stone), claimed the title in Sacramento by just half a point, toppling three-time winner Stoltman in what was the first victory by a rookie at the event since 1997.

His win is truly a bolt from the blue in the world of strength athletics, where it normally takes several goes at the yearly WSM finals before a strongmen can hope to be in contention for the podium. Nel realised while playing rugby at university that he was stronger than other players with the same training, before taking up strongman training properly in 2022.

Nel, an electrical engineer by trade, racked up 47 points across the five events that made up the two-day final. On Saturday, he stormed to victory in the Carry & Hoist for the maximum 10 points and followed it up with second-place finishes in both the deadlift and the Hercules hold, earning nine points apiece.

Despite a dip on Sunday in the Flintstone press, where he placed last and collected only three points, Nel recovered to take eight crucial points in the decisive Atlas Stones contest. That haul was just enough to secure the crown, aided by the eight points he had carried over from a third-place finish in his qualifying heat.

“To represent [South Africa] in any way whatsoever, it feels surreal,” Nel told USA Today. “We’re a small country with a lot of struggles. To have something like this I know means a lot to my people.”

Asked how he planned to mark the occasion Nel said he’d forego his usual celebration. “I’ll try American beer tonight,” he joked, referring to his preferred choice, South Africa’s Black Label.

Nel captained the Central University of Technology team for three consecutive years. His performances caught the attention of higher-tier teams and lead to his involvement with the Cheetahs.