The extent of adversities in extreme sports often goes beyond imagination. Bull-riding sounds as dreadful as it is. In 2019, the rodeo community lost one of its esteemed athletes to an accident. Mason Lowe was run over by a bull amidst competing at the National Western Stock Show. The scene left the spectators and other athletes shocked, per Colorado Public Radio.

Hence, former bull-riding icon, Kody Lostroh, who set the 2009 Professional Bull Riders World Championship to his name, spoke once on the matter. He hinted towards the harsh realities of the sport that most athletes are aware of. Moreover, he asserted that a blend of ill fate and perils of the sport, results in such misfortunes. 

Kody Lostroh addressed the dark side of bull riding

According to the 2019 publication, Lowe died after he was overthrown by the animal and dropped to the ground. Even though he was wearing protective vests, his erroneous position contributed to the fatal impact of the bull. Therefore, his fellow athlete, Lostroh said, “I don’t know how to describe a guy’s thoughts when a fellow teammate essentially is killed doing something like this. It’s indescribable really.” 

The Colorado native implied that all riders were aware 0f the grave consequences of the sport. They are “willing to pay the ultimate price,” he added. Moreover, Lostroh teased a peculiar understanding among bull-riders that respect the bleakness of the sport. “The fact is: It’s always been a dangerous sport and it’s always going to be a dangerous sport,” the 37-year-old shared. 

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However, Lostroh claimed that incidents like Lowe’s shall remain tragic and rare. Regardless, there can’t be much done to make the sport any safer, he opined. “Honestly, I don’t know what can be done to make it any safer. It’s a pretty raw sport. Kind of gladiator-like. Where it’s you and an animal and you’re battling it out…A lot of the times, the animal wins,” he deduced. Soon after, Lostroh retired in lieu of his numerous injuries and focused on his family. Similarly, a young rider was crushed to death by a bull at the 2022 New Year’s Eve rodeo event held in Australia. 

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There have been essential developments in gearing up the protection of bull riders over time. Strategical vests and helmets have been introduced to minimize the risks of concussions and injuries. Nevertheless, the breeds of bulls have also powered up in modern times. Hence, authorities must look to resolve the pertaining dangers of the sport and prevent life loss at all costs.