It's been a long ride for Tyler Foster to make it to where he is today, but the Watford native is now a world champion.
Foster took home top spot for steer wrestling at the 48th International Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City that went from January 19 to 21. It's a competition that features around 200 participants from North America and Australia.
The past two years the 30-year-old Foster placed 2nd in the event, so needless to say he was thrilled to win it this time around.
"It felt like a big weight off my shoulders. Everybody at home is covering the slack for me, helping with my chores on our beef cow farm," says Foster. "It's a big family affair, it takes everyone to do it and I'm sure glad I had the support."
Foster edged his longtime teammate Rodney Weese of Forest for 1st, but neither 'bulldogger' left empty-handed-- Weese had the best average time of his four attempts, giving him the "Best Aggregate" award. The two have hazed for each other over the past several years.
Although Oklahoma City is nearly 2,000 km away from Watford, Foster says it felt like he was right at home when he was competing.
"It seemed like there was a whole bus-load down there cheering us on," he says. "Every time they'd say your name they'd all cheer for you, so that was kind of cool."
Foster credits his dad and uncle for introducing him to steer wrestling when he was just a kid.
