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”.