Rayno Nel from Krugersdorp has made history in the world of strength sports by becoming International Strongman Champion.
The world’s most powerful strongmen came together recently for this year’s competition in the Netherlands, but Rayno’s power and determination got the better of his opponents in the end.
The competition was hosted by the Strongman Champions League and this was Rayno’s third international competition. He came in first place in 2023 at the Africa Strongest Man competition and fourth at the Siberian Power Show earlier this year before he claimed first position in the Netherlands.
Rayno elaborated that the most difficult event for him during the competition was the Atlas stones (a round stone typically used in strength training) because they had to be loaded on a platform almost as tall as he was.
Speaking about his training routine, Rayno said, “I train four times a week. This includes three times normal gym work and a ‘Strongman Day’ on Saturday where I specifically target the events in the upcoming competition. This includes all the fun stuff like pulling trucks, etc.”
He further went on to say it was amazing when he was announced the winner. The moment came when he managed to load a 200kg stone (which also is a personal best stone lift for him).
Rayno grew up in Upington and went on to study in Bloemfontein before moving to Krugersdorp to be closer to his fiancé. He used to be a rugby player and only transitioned into strongman sport at the beginning of last year.
“My greatest strength as a competitor is I am not easily bothered by anything. I can stay focused regardless of my surroundings. Building the strength needed for a strongman takes time. It is important to set long-term goals so you know you are working towards something and not putting too much pressure on your body,” Rayno concluded as words of advice to aspiring strongmen.
