Edmonton police officer Tristian Hoath has more to prove as one of the world’s strongest men

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As an Edmonton police officer, Tristain Hoath certainly has had moments when people have shied away from approaching him — but not now.

After finishing fifth last year in the World’s Strongest Man competition, the six-foot-three, 330-pound cop is getting recognized not just in Edmonton, but around the world while competing.

“Recently I was in two different grocery stores, and I ran into people, and they’d stop and say, ‘Aren’t you the one that competed in World’s Strong Man? Aren’t you that cop?,’ ” Hoath said with a laugh.

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“I’m like, yeah, I’m Tristain, and I’m the cop. It’s been a good talking tool.”

Whether it’s at his local grocery store or the Natural History Museum in London, U.K., Hoath has become recognized in part due to his large stature, as well as his big performance as a first-time competitor in the strong man event.

After bursting onto the scene last year, Hoath knows even more eyes will be on him this month as he competes at the 2025 event in Sacramento, Calif. The competition set for May 15-18 will pit 25 of the burliest men from around the world against each other in various feats of strength.

This year, four Canadians have qualified for the competition — the most in its 48-year history.

Higher expectations

“I went into world’s last year as a last-minute invite, not wanting to (finish) last. I didn’t expect to qualify out of my group, let alone to finish fifth. I blew my own expectations out of the water,” said Hoath.

“(Last year) I had no pressure on me. I think people overlooked me, and it worked out in my favour. I went from being an underdog to being the fifth strongest man in the world.

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“People know who I am, and what to expect, and people are watching now. The goal is now placing better, even if that’s fourth place, but I don’t think the podium is that far off. I was only 2.5 points off last year. It’s right there, and if I can bring a proper package and execute at world’s, there’s a podium spot for me.”

Hoath said he felt a little “star struck” at times last year, meeting and competing against some of the best athletes in the sport like brothers Tom and Luke Stolman. It was a moment he will never forget. But while those were guys he looked up to while learning and training in the sport, he realizes he is now right alongside them.

“It’s going to be tough competition, but one I’m looking forward to. I’m going to compete and lay it all on the line and see where the chips fall.”

When Hoath returned from competition last year, he went back to work the following day as a beat constable in Edmonton’s southeast detachment. He’s got the full support of his brothers and sisters in blue, all of whom cheer him on in his journey.

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Over the past year, EPS has allowed him to move into a different role to give him more opportunities to pursue his World’s Strongest Man quest.

“The support I’ve had from EPS and the EPA (Edmonton Police Association) has been amazing,” said Hoath.

“In my new position, it’s allowed me more time off when I’ve needed it to train and compete, and give me an opportunity to make it more of a priority for myself.

“I can work on this life and the hobby that I have and try to make the best of it while I have the chance.”

Hoath became interested in the sport after watching the World’s Strongest Man events on television with his father.

They shared a dream to one day attend strength competitions together — but his father unfortunately died in 2012.

‘Cheering me on’

While they never got to compete together, Hoath said he feels his father’s presence every time he competes — and it gives him a little extra strength and push when he has to dead lift over 800 pounds or do a fireman’s carry holding over 450 pounds in each hand.

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“He doesn’t go far off the mind when I’m competing or training. I know there’s an old wives’ tale of when you find a dime on the ground, it’s someone in a past life trying to reconnect with you,” said Hoath.

“I’ve been to London, Scotland, Iceland, and even at World’s, and every time I travel, I find a dime on the ground. I don’t know if it’s real or not, but it definitely puts it into perspective that maybe he is out there watching and cheering me on.”

Hoath, 33, believes he has three more years of competing at the highest level in his sport, and he has many more goals he wants to accomplish before he’s done.

“I want reach the podium at World’s Strongest Man, and I want to win Canada’s Strongest Man,” said Hoath.

“Even when I’m done competing at this level, I still plan on competing locally or internationally at smaller shows. When this is done, I don’t plan to walk away, I’ll adapt to a different way of training and keep doing the sport I love.”

jhills@postmedia.com

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