PRCA photo by Roseanna Sales
A Forced Time-Out for World Champion Bull Rider Ky Hamilton After Back-to-Back Injuries
The Australian Cowboy proved to the world he was tougher than the rest during this last Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, taking home the 2023 PRCA Bull Riding World Champion title despite suffering a concussion in Round 5 of the Finals.
Ky Hamilton announced on Luke Branquinho’s Show on Jan. 29 that he will need to take some time off in 2024 due to multiple injuries.
“The worst part is I feel like I was riding just as good as I was at the Finals, and so it’s just kind of a freak deal that sucks,” Hamilton said, grinning. “Evidentally, the gettin’ knocked around part hasn’t left me.”
The 23-year-old world champ told Branquinho he dislocated his shoulder twice in one week. The first dislocation happened during a ride in Denver. The second took place while competing in the Forth Worth Stock Show and Rodeo this last week.
"He is such a great guy, a great athlete with a good heart. I give him a hard time because I know him but it is sad to see this," Branquinho told SI Rodeo.
Known for his determination and refusal to quit, Hamilton rode two bulls in between those injuries and went two-for-two at Rapid City’s Xtreme Bulls before he was officially sidelined.
In addition to his dislocated shoulder, he is also dealing with a torn ACL. However, if there’s anything fans know about the Aussie Cowboy, he’ll be back on a bull as soon as doctors clear him.
The full interview featuring Hamilton will be posted on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m. PST on the Luke Branquinho Show.
