PRETORIA - The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has congratulated Rayno Nel, 30, for becoming the first African and the first man from outside Europe and North America to 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”.
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.”
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