A Rocky Mountain House athlete delivered one of her strongest performances to date at a major provincial competition over the weekend.

Tami Newman placed fourth at Alberta’s Strongest competition in Red Deer on April 11, finishing just one point shy of the podium in a field that included top-level competitors.

“It was actually one of my best performances,” Newman said. “I held a really solid performance the whole day.”

The event, held at Fire Flood Emergency Services in Red Deer, featured both professional and amateur divisions. While previously being only open to men, Newman says the 2026 event included a women’s category for the first time.

Newman says she took part in all five events: an overhead medley, a truck deadlift, a frame carry combined with a heavy yoke and hand-over-hand truck pull, and a loading implement medley.

She said the competition was particularly challenging as she faced athletes from higher weight divisions who are accustomed to heavier loads.

“It was a little bit of a push for me, and I had a few personal bests,” she said.

One of her standout moments came in the final loading medley, where she was the first competitor to successfully lift a 250-pound concrete block onto a platform.

“There were six women ahead of me, and I was the first woman to get it onto the platform,” she said. “It set the stage for the rest of the ladies behind me — it was a huge accomplishment.”

Newman also says she placed first in the Hercules Hold.

This year’s competition was sanctioned by Strongman Corp Canada, meaning Newman’s result qualifies her for provincials and contributes to her national ranking.

The Rocky Mountain House athlete has quickly risen through the sport’s ranks in recent years, earning multiple podium finishes at provincials and nationals, as well as competing internationally.

–

RELATED

• • Local athlete bringing Strongman Games to Rocky Mountain House in May
  • “Humbling” Rocky Mountain House’s Tami Newman returns from Strongman Games in Texas

–

Looking ahead, Newman plans to take time for off-season training before deciding whether to compete at the Official Strongman Games in Florida this November. She is also aiming to participate in more international events in 2027.

Closer to home, Newman is organizing a novice women’s Strongman competition in Rocky Mountain House on May 23. The event is expected to feature competitors ranging from younger athletes to women in their 60s.

“I’m excited to see what they can do,” she said. “I can’t wait to bring it to Rocky.”

The May 23 event is free for the public to watch outside the Rocky Regional Recreation Centre.