Former Cheetah crowned World's Strongest Man
NEWS: Former Central University of Technology and Cheetah loose forward Rayno Nel was crowned the World’s Strongest Man in Sacramento, California on Sunday.
The incredible victory saw Nel become the first man outside of Europe or North America to claim the coveted title in the competition’s 48-year history.
He is also the first rookie to claim the title since 1997.
“I’m just over the moon,” Nel told USA Today.
“To represent [South Africa] in any way whatsoever, it feels surreal. I mean, we are a small country with a lot of struggles.
“To have something like this I know means a lot to my people.”
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Nel admitted that rugby was the only sport he saw himself participating in.
However, his competitive side pushed him to give Strongman a try after realising he was much stronger than his peers on the rugby pitch.
“Rugby was what I thought I would do for my sports career. I didn’t think I’d do any sport again,” Nel said.
“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.”
Image credit @WSM
