Injuries Reshape the Field at the 2026 Cinch Timed Event Championship

Two-time-event cowboys have officially withdrawn from the 2026 Ironman of Rodeo due to injury, opening the door for new faces while reshaping one of the most demanding competitions known in the sport.

Often called the “Ironman of Rodeo,” the Cinch Timed Event Championship challenges invited cowboys to compete in five rounds across five events—heading, heeling, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, and steer roping. The man with the best cumulative performance wins the coveted title. 

The 2026 event will be held March 5–7 at Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Twenty-five athletes will compete for spots in the final round, with the top 15 advancing to Saturday night. The event features more than $200,000 in total prize money, including $100,000 to the champion

Two-time world champion header Tyler Wade will not compete at the 2026 CTEC after suffering a broken ankle during practice. Wade, an eight-time NFR qualifier from Terrell, Texas, earned his world titles heading for Wesley Thorp in 2023 and 2024. This year he was set to test himself across all five timed events.

The Lazy E Arena officially confirmed that taking his place is Dalton Walker, a 25-year-old all-around talent who currently sits No. 13 in the PRCA steer wrestling standings. Walker is known for his versatility across events. He has been a standout all of his youth career, but especially for his love of steer tripping/ Walker now gets his shot on one of rodeo’s biggest Ironman stages.

Canadian standout Kolton Schmidt, a three-time NFR qualifier (2016, 2020, 2025) who finished No. 4 in the world standings in 2025, has opted out of the 2026 CTEC due to ongoing back issues.

Schmidt has been managing bulged discs for some time, he says, and the demands of a five-event, five-round championship ultimately led to his decision to sit this one out, considering the importance of longevity down the road.  

That decision opened the door for Slade Wood, who will make his first-ever appearance at the Cinch Timed Event Championship. The 23-year-old from Stephenville, Texas, brings an impressive résumé to the field of veterans.

His list of accolades includes four National Finals Steer Roping qualifications, the 2021 Steer Roping Rookie of the Year title, and the Dixon McGowan Award as the top first-time NFSR qualifier. Wood finished No. 5 and No. 3 in the world steer roping standings in 2023 and 2024 and ended 2025 ranked No. 10 in the PRCA All-Around.

While injuries have forced changes to the lineup, the Cinch Timed Event Championship has also become a stage where younger cowboys and first-time competitors are increasingly proving they belong. In recent years, the Ironman format has shown that momentum, preparation and versatility can quickly elevate new names into championship contention.

Last year’s event reinforced that trend, as a new generation continued to close the gap on seasoned veterans, proving the Timed Event is no longer reserved solely for long-established all-around guys.

Reigning champion Ketch Kelton will return to defend his title after making history in 2025 as the youngest Cinch Timed Event Champion ever at just 19 years old. Kelton, a two-time Jr. Ironman Champion, dominated all five rounds en route to a $109,000 payday.

That shift opens the door for competitors like Slade Wood and Dalton Walker, both of whom arrive in Guthrie with résumés that suggest they are more than capable of handling the challenge.

Veterans, former champions and rising stars are all now set to compete at the 2026 Cinch Timed Event Championship once again, and the Ironman title remains one of the most respected in professional rodeo.