“Humbling” Rocky Mountain House’s Tami Newman returns from Strongman Games in Texas

Rocky’s Tami Newman says it was both a humbling and empowering experience at the Official Strongman Games in Arlington, Texas, Nov. 20-23.

Ahead of the games, Newman had set a goal to end up in the top 10 in her category.

However, after failing to finish two events, she ended outside the top 10, and did not qualify for world finals.

“I didn’t place where I wanted to, but I definitely took home a lot to grow from,” she says.

Over the three days of competition, every athlete is guaranteed competition during the first two days, with the third and final day serving as finals.

On day one, Newman competed in the log clean and press. She chose the starter weight of 155 lbs, but was unable to complete the ladder.

Athletes competing in the log clean and press at the Official Strongman Games in Arlington, TX

Later, she participated in the timber frame carry. She carried the large, 450 lb frame 87 of the required 100 feet to finish.

On day two, Newman participated in the dead lift ladder — an event where competitors lift increasingly heavy barbells. Starting weight: 405 lbs.

The second event on day two was a sandbag carry. Each sandbag was 175-200 lbs. While she was able to complete the 175 lb bag carry, she was unable to complete the 200 lb carry.

Tami Newman describing her experience competing in the timber frame lift

Finding herself outside the top ten, she did not compete for “World’s Strongest” on day three.

Throughout the whole weekend, Newman says she found herself in awe at the strength of some of her competitors.

“It was amazing to witness everybody giving it their all — some people pass out and get all red in the face — it was amazing to watch these women and men throw around these incredible numbers.”

Before competition began, Newman says she was able to proudly represent her Cree-Métis heritage on the world stage, with a little help from a friend.

“I had a local lady from Rocky who was so kind to message me and say she would love to  help me make a ribbon skirt — she gifted it to me which was so sweet.”

She adds, with competitors from around the globe, many others proudly represented their culture.

Now entering the off season, Newman says she’ll take what she learned from the experience in Texas while she continues to train for next year.

“There’s so much you can learn about yourself, it’s OK to fail,” she says. “Try things that are new — things that are completely intimidating — give it your all and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

She already has an invite to the 2026 Strongman Games.