Elite sport looks different today. Preparation no longer ends when training does. Athletes move between sessions, video review, travel, recovery and constant communication.
Technology now sits quietly inside that routine, supporting the work that happens before the spotlight. Across very different disciplines, the same truth applies. Performance is built in the hours between competitions.
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Rayno Nel, crowned World’s Strongest Man 2025, trains in demanding outdoor environments where dust, heat and impact are part of the job. Ronwen Williams, captain of Bafana Bafana and goalkeeper for Mamelodi Sundowns, operates in a world of split-second decisions, repetition and tactical detail. Technology can bridge the needs of different sporting arenas with data, durability and endurance as key requirements.
Endurance Beyond the Final Whistle
For Ronwen Williams, preparation happens as much on screen as it does on grass.
“As a professional goalkeeper, my preparation is all about repetition and analysis,” he explains. “I spend hours with analysts reviewing opponents’ penalty tendencies and shooting patterns.”
That means constant video sessions, messaging and travel coordination. As the official technology device partner of Bafana Bafana, HONOR recognises the importance of reliable communication tools in elite sport, where alignment between players, coaches and technical staff can influence performance outcomes. The evolution of sport mirrors the evolution of smart ecosystems more broadly. Devices are no longer passive tools.
They analyse patterns, support performance optimisation and streamline communication. Importantly, the technology has to keep up with the pace and demandingly long schedules of training and analysis. “With the HONOR X9d’s massive 8300 mAh battery that can last up to three days, I never have to worry about it dying during a long travel day or during a lengthy video session at camp.”
Battery life may not grab headlines, but consistency does. When devices last, concentration holds. Rayno sees the same value in his own routine.
“Communication is key. I need to stay in contact with my coach, my family and my sponsors, especially when travelling internationally. A reliable device is non-negotiable. With the X9d’s battery, I know I’ll always be connected to upload training footage or receive last-minute changes before an event.” Endurance is physical and now it’s also digital.
Strength That Withstands the Grind
“My preparation time is incredibly valuable, and my environment is often harsh,” says Rayno. Outdoor events expose his gear to grit, sun and sweat. “The HONOR X9d is the perfect training partner because it’s built for the chaos I thrive in. With its IP rating of IP69K, I don’t have to worry about it getting dirty or wet. I can rinse it off under a tap without a second thought.”
For an athlete whose profession revolves around absorbing pressure, durability is not a feature. It is essential.
“I need persistence that doesn’t crack under pressure. The HONOR X9d embodies that same principle. Its six-layer cushioning design can withstand a drop from 2.5 metres onto hard surfaces. In fact, the device officially broke a Guinness World Records™ title for the highest drop of a smartphone showcasing its durability. The record-breaking achievement was secured after the HONOR X9d survived an intact drop from a height of 6.133 meters, setting a new global benchmark for smartphone toughness and further strengthening the brand’s legacy in durability and innovation. It’s built to take hit after hit and keep going.”
Connection Is Part of Performance
Technology now underpins how athletes review, refine and respond. But beyond analytics, communication remains central. “As a goalkeeper and captain, I need to be a leader on and off the pitch,” says Ronwen. “I use my phone constantly to coordinate with coaches, connect with teammates and stay in touch with my family, who are my biggest supporters. It keeps the whole system connected.”
That clarity carries into competition. “This partnership with HONOR makes sense because they understand that technology isn’t just a gadget. It’s a performance tool that helps athletes like me stay connected, prepared and focused on winning.”
Built for Real Pressure
Whether it is a goalkeeper diving into traffic or a strongman lifting under extreme strain, resilience is a daily demand. The HONOR X9d reflects that mindset with its now famous ‘Unbreakable ‘durability, world-class IP rating and long-lasting battery that adds to the value in its category. Built to handle drops, water and heat without slowing down much like the athletes it supports. The reality is that modern sport runs on detail including the unseen: Video clips reviewed late at night, messages and data exchanged between sessions and adjustments made quietly before kick-off.
Technology has become part of that rhythm. As competition intensifies across disciplines, the link between sport and smart devices will only strengthen. The same way technology now shapes everyday life, it is shaping how athletes prepare, compete and lead. At the highest level, performance is rarely about one moment. It is about staying ready for all of them.
The HONOR X9d is now available in two Colours: Sunrise Gold and Midnight Black for a recommended retail price of R9 999, with redeemable gifts worth R4 998.
• R1999 (HONOR Choice Earbuds Clip or HONOR Choice Airfryer) *Valid until 8 March 2026.
• HONOR Care Service Benefit Valued up to R2 999. 12 Month Free Accidental Damage Protection *Service promotional offer limited to HONOR X9d valid until 31 July 2026
Available promotions in retail:
- MTN: R449 x 36 months
- Cell C: R549 x 36 months, R669 x 24 months
- Telkom: R499 x 36 months, R599 x 24 months
- Vodacom: R449x36 months, R569 x 24 months
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