IF you’re going to ride a bull at the world’s largest rodeo, you’d better make sure you give it your all.
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That’s exactly what Chris Wilson did at the 70th annual National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) at Rock Springs, Wyoming last month.
The sixteen-year-old from Scone earned a total of 83 points to finish in the top ten in the world, placing ninth overall.
“It was pretty good,” said a very humble Wilson, after competing at his first ever international event.
“It was a lot different over there, they run it completely different. They don’t stuff around really, they’re in and out.”
Wilson said the competition was fierce and the bulls were “a lot bigger and ‘buckier’.
“It was just a big experience really.”
An experience that could have been even sweeter for the up-and-coming bull rider had he held on for another 2.3 seconds. “It might have been the difference of being right at the very top to where I was,” he said.
Watch Chris’ performance below
After winning the first event, he rode for 7.70 seconds in his first performance at the second event – just short of the 8 seconds needed to qualify.
“I made it to the Short-Go and placed ninth out of all competitors – ninth in the world,” Wilson said.
An amazing achievement, admitted his mother Maree who said she was very proud.
“He did very, very well,” Maree said.
But Wilson will soon have another chance to shine after being one of four juniors in Australia invited to compete at the 2018 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas from December 6 to 15.
“A few blokes rang me and asked if I wanted to go,” Wilson said. “So I’ll be going back for that.
“It’s good fun, it gets your adrenaline pumping,” he said of the sport.
Wilson was quick to thank his sponsors and the people that have helped him along the way.
“I’d like to thank Lana Wicks and Luke Wicks and everyone that’s helped me out in getting there,” he said.
“My two grandparents helped me out greatly.
“My sponsors including Scone Charity Rodeo, Scone RSL Club, TP Bucking Bulls, Gus Burns, Roger Fuller at Singleton, the Kid’s Variety Club, Cresfield Stud and Sycolar Electrical and Fabrication.
“Also, a good friend Mark Magnay helped me out on the bulls.”
Ashley Randle, Tyler Palmer and Taine Nash also proudly represented the Upper Hunter at the NHSFR.
Caitlin Reid
Caitlin Reid is a journalist at the Northern Daily Leader, focussing on a range of topics including Tamworth Regional Council, education, property and entertainment. To get in touch, email caitlin.reid@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Caitlin Reid is a journalist at the Northern Daily Leader, focussing on a range of topics including Tamworth Regional Council, education, property and entertainment. To get in touch, email caitlin.reid@austcommunitymedia.com.au
