A FUN sport for some is a family dynasty for others, according to Ben Hoffman who will compete with his brother at the Tug of War World Championships in September.
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The event, in the South African city of Cape Town, involves countries from all across the globe, but Mr Hoffman is hoping he’ll bring home the title.
He said while he’s won more national championships than the can remember, saying that it was over 25, he’s still in pursuit of the big prize, having finished as high as 13th in the past.
The sport isn’t something he exactly chose to get into.
But, Mr Hoffman added his father was also a tug of war star and he and his brothers were trained from a young age.
“I didn’t have much of a choice,” he said.
“My dad was national champion when I was three, so I followed him into the sport.
“In fact, so did my brothers.
“I say that people who choose to participate are mad but, for me, it was just a family tradition.”
He said there was a bit of pressure on him to perform at a high level, saying he felt relief more than anything after winning his first major competition.
He’s not all brawn and no brains though as he works as a solicitor for Equilaw in Muswellbrook, which is a far cry from the struggle of the field.
He said while people at work understand his passion, they don’t always get the hard work that goes into preparing for events and the time restraints he faces at international competitions.
“They think I’m about to have a very relaxed holiday, however that’s not quite the case,” Mr Hoffman said.
“It can be hard to find time to look around while you’re there.”
Members of the community find it difficult to comprehend how the sport works, too.
Mr Hoffman said people often tell him that he doesn’t look big enough.
But, there are others in the area who appreciate his work-rate for the sport, with PCYC personal trainer and Bengalla-sponsored athlete Joanne McGhee making the trip, as part of Mr Hoffman’s mixed team.
He explained it was the first mixed team Australia has sent to a strength-based international competition
And, he’s excited to be part of it.
Mr Hoffman will represent Maitland in that event on day one of the competition in the 580kg weight class and, again on day three, representing Australia in the men’s 560kg division.
The 2018 championships will take place from September 19 to 22 at Camps Bay High School in western Cape Town.
