In an unfiltered and raw test of strength, mental resilience, adaptability, stamina and nutrition, South African athlete Rayno Nel overcame a gruelling set of challenges to be crowned the World’s Strongest Man.
Over the course of last weekend, Nel, a former Cheetahs rugby player who weighs in at 148kg, dethroned English champion Tom Stoltman by 0.5 points.
In doing so, he became the first South African to hold the title of World’s Strongest Man.
Nel had to get through qualifying on Thursday and Friday by completing a loading medley, deadlift, overhead medley, titan’s toss and a stone medley.
Here is a breakdown of the challenges he completed in the final…
Day 1
The Knaack Carry and Hoist – Saturday
On his shoulders, Nel had to carry two loaded ‘Knaacks’ or boxes mounted onto a pole across a distance and place it there before running back to the start line.
At the start line, he had to sit down and hoist another knaack. He completed the task in 30.58 seconds.
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The Deadlift – Saturday
An ancient workout known to strengthen the back and legs, but this version was meant to push contestants pushed to the absolute limit.
Nel had to deadlift 350kg and completed eight reps.
American competitor Trey Mitchell won the specific event with 10 reps. Nel finished second in the event.
The Hercules Hold – Saturday
Named after the Greek character of great strength, the Hercules hold requires athletes to grab onto a handle with either hand. Said handle is attached to a concrete pillar weighing 350kg each.
Nel held onto 700kg for 75.63 seconds and finished in second place in the event, behind Australian Eddie Williams at 82.14 seconds.
Flinestone Barbell – Sunday
Perhaps one of his weakest performances of the entire event, the Flinestone Barbell posed a challenge for Nel on Sunday.
Contestants had to do as many overhead reps as possible with a 246kg barbell.
Nel completed just one rep, while UK’s Tom Stoltman finished six reps.
The Atlas Stones
Without a doubt, one of the most famous events of the competition.
The Atlas Stone lift which requires athletes to lift a set of concrete balls from one section and place them onto a stand.
Each stone weighs 210kg.
Nel finished the event in third place, picking up four stones in 30.17 seconds.
Stoltman picked up five stones in 31.76 seconds to win the event.
Nel’s performances on Saturday gave him a head start on points and pushed him forward during his weaker events.
At the end, the South African bear Tom Stoltman by just 0.5 points.
