Leslie Smalygo’s 2024 season has left no doubt that she is hungry for another appearance under the bright lights of the Thomas and Mack. Getting her one step closer to just that is a win at the Calgary Stampede. That also makes her your WPRA Athlete of the Week.
Smalygo and her superstar, off the track equine partner, Gus, were out in what might have been the toughest pool of barrel racers at the Calgary Stampede. They made quick work of their competitors as they were the most consistent duo to be the No. 1 team advancing from Pool C to the Semifinals.
On Championship Sunday, Smalygo entered the arena having already won $18,000 but she was not done. A time of 16.99 placed them second in the Semifinals and advanced them to the Final 4 where they would make their second run of the day against Hailey Kinsel, Katelyn Scott and Paige Jones.
Gus picked up speed in the Four-Man to stop the clock at 16.94 and hustle to the win by the small margin of four hundredths of a second. This allowed Smalygo to make her way to center stage and put her hands on the iconic Calgary Stampede Bronze.
The Oklahoma cowgirl fell from the No. 1 spot in the World for a short period of time before reclaiming her spot as the No. 1 lady to beat in the WPRA World Standings. Smalygo and Gus added $50,000 to their name and she is your WPRA Athlete of the Week.
