The only other time in his career Tim O’Connell had made it to the final four Showdown on Sunday in Calgary, he was unable to ride because of a hand injury.
Again battling injury on Sunday, the three-time World Champion etched his name into history by riding Xplosive Skies for 93.5 points to win The Calgary Stampede for the first time.
“It means so much (to win The Calgary Stampede),” O’Connell said. “To finally make it all the way through to the very final four and to win the final four against this group of guys and this group of horses, I don’t have words, I’m just very blessed.”
O’Connell advanced to Sunday thanks to a stellar performance in Pool A, which took place from July 9-12. In the Pool performances, O’Connell collected $16,000 and won on Day 1 and Day 4.
“You guys (the fans) coming out to support us, coming out to support rodeo in Canada, this is what it takes,” he said. “We love everyone of you for coming out here. Our sport loves this freedom that we have and you guys are celebrating that with us.”
O’CONNEL’S CHAMPIONSHIP RIDE ON XPLOSIVE SKIES
O’CONNELL’S 91.5-POINT RIDE ON BLACK FEATHERS IN POOL A
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Tim O’Connell rides for 91.5 points on Day 4 to win Pool A
Calgary Stampede 2021: Recap and highlights
