Rayno Nel defends world strongman title in Upington

IN A SPECTACULAR display of strength, resilience, and determination, South Africa’s Rayno Nel has once again etched his name into the annals of sporting history. On November 16, Nel was crowned the 2025 Strongman Champions League (SCL) World Champion at Hoërskool Duineveld in Upington, Northern Cape, successfully defending his 2024 title and securing his position as a two-time SCL World Champion.

Competing before a roaring home crowd, Nel’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. On the opening day, he set a new Shield Carry World Record, and on the second day, he shattered the SCL Hercules Hold Record, feats that left spectators in awe and reaffirmed his dominance on the global stage.

International competitors also delivered strong performances, with Kevin Hazeleger of Holland finishing in second place and Adam Roszkowski of Poland taking third. Yet it was Nel who captured the hearts of the audience, showing that South Africa continues to produce world-class athletes capable of triumphing on a global platform.

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, expressed his admiration, saying, “Rayno Nel didn’t just win, he conquered. He showed the world the strength, grit, and heart of the Northern Cape and of South Africa. This is what happens when exceptional talent meets unshakeable discipline. Rayno is a champion who carries the hopes of a community and the pride of a nation. He has etched his name into history, and we salute him.”

Born on May 9, 1995, in Krugersdorp, Nel’s journey to the top is as inspiring as his feats of strength. A former rugby player who represented the Central University of Technology and the Free State Cheetahs, Nel only entered strongman competitions in 2023 but quickly rose to international prominence. His achievements include winning South Africa’s Strongest Man and Africa’s Strongest Man titles twice each, alongside remarkable personal records such as an 18-inch deadlift of 490kg, a 150kg log press for seven reps, and a world record in natural stone loading. One of his most iconic moments saw him pull a 16-tonne truck over 25 metres in just over 33 seconds.

Beyond his physical prowess, Nel is a man of intellect and discipline. Holding a Master’s degree in engineering and working as an electrical engineer, he demonstrates that strength is as much about mental focus and resilience as it is about muscle. His wildcard entry to the 2025 World’s Strongest Man competition further showcased his ability to rise to challenges and make history.

Nel’s victory is more than a personal triumph; it is a milestone for South African and African sports. In a career that has spanned less than three years in the strongman arena, he has shown that with determination, discipline, and dedication, seemingly impossible feats can be achieved. For Upington, the Northern Cape, and the nation as a whole, Rayno Nel is not just a champion; he is a legacy forged in strength, heart, and vision.