Active in strongman from 1999 to 2004, Van Hatfield competed at the highest levels internationally. He finished 9th at the 2004 World’s Strongest Man and reached the finals in 2002. Hatfield won the 2004 America’s Strongest Man and deadlifted 800 lbs (363 kg) at the 2004 IFSA Strongman World Championships. Known for his overhead pressing, he completed a 375 lbs (170 kg) log lift at the 2003 All-American Strongman Challenge.