In this candid interview, Dylan Hancock shares the story of receiving a last-minute invite to compete at the Cinch Timed Event Championship at the legendary Lazy E Arena—and how just 10 days of preparation led to one of the biggest moments of his career.

Hancock looks back at his early experience in the Junior Timed Event, the progression of his all-around skill set through tie-down roping, team roping (heading and heeling), steer wrestling, and tripping, and how years of competing in high school, college, and amateur rodeos prepared him for the Ironman opportunity. With only a few days to practice between winter rodeos, Dylan jumped into the 25-head marathon format with limited preparation—but walked away with a strong showing and a second-place finish in the average.

He opens up about the nerves of competing against seasoned Timed Event veterans, the reality of the marathon format, and the mental grind of managing five disciplines over five rounds. From being disappointed sitting eighth going into the final round to climbing into second after a dramatic finish, Hancock breaks down the importance of staying focused, taking it one run at a time, and never quitting until the final steer is down.

Dylan also reflects on the horsepower, support system, and family behind the scenes that make competing at this level possible, emphasizing gratitude for the team that keeps everything running at home while he competes.