Strongman Rayno Nel Out of Arnold Classic
South African strongman Rayno Nel has withdrawn from the 2026 Arnold Strongman Classic after contracting salmonella. His absence shakes up the competitive field at one of the sport's premier events. The timing couldn't be worse for Nel, who was considered a top contender.
The reigning World's Strongest Man, Rayno Nel, was forced to pull out of what would have been his debut at the 2026 Arnold Strongman Classic, which is scheduled for March 6-7 in Columbus, Ohio. His withdrawal was announced less than two weeks before the prestigious event. The primary reason for Nel's withdrawal was a significant and rapid weight loss of 17kg (37.5 pounds) after being hospitalized with salmonella. The news was first shared by former strongman competitor Laurence "Big Loz" Shahlaei, who had spoken directly with Nel. Nel's absence is a major blow to the competition, as he has had a meteoric rise in the sport. A former rugby player, he transitioned to strongman after a severe knee injury. In 2025, he shocked the strongman world by winning the World's Strongest Man title in his first appearance, the first rookie to do so since 1997. Since 2023, the South African powerhouse has won nine of the 12 major competitions he has entered. His impressive record includes winning the 2025 Strongman Champions League World Finals. Nel is not the only high-profile athlete to withdraw from this year's Arnold Strongman Classic. The lineup has also been affected by the withdrawals of Hafthor Bjornsson and Tom Stoltman. With Nel sidelined, attention will turn to other top contenders. The field still includes formidable athletes like Mitchell Hooper, who will be aiming for his fourth title, and the returning Martins Licis. While the setback is significant, the strongman community anticipates Nel's return to the platform once he has fully recovered and regained his weight and strength. Fans are hopeful he will be fit to defend his title at the 2026 World's Strongest Man competition in April.
