Watch above: Seriously injured athlete rides again
SASKATOON – The top bull riders in the world are in Saskatoon this weekend at the SaskTel Centre for the Canadian national finals. After recovering from a serious back injury, so too did a crowd favourite.
Saskatchewan’s Aaron Roy announced Wednesday he would be making his return to bull riding in his old stomping grounds.
“From the time I woke up out of surgery I was asking what my re-ride bull was at Calgary, it was my goal to be on a bull again and ride,” Roy said.
On July 11, 2013, Roy was stomped on by a 2,000-lb bull at the Calgary Stampede. He suffered a fractured vertebrae and broken jaw.
There was a chance he would never walk again, let alone get on another bull.
“The surgeon in Calgary put in two rods and eight screws in my back,” said Roy.
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Fifteen months later, the prairie cowboy is back competing in an event he’s had his fair share of success at, the Canadian national finals.
“It’s kind of unexplainable for it to be at home and for the first event for my kid to see me ride at a finals, he might not understand what’s going on, he might not remember it but he knows what’s going on around him and it will be something special for him too,” said Roy.
“We did talk about this considerably here the last 30 days and I wanted to make sure he was 100 per cent ready and I know Aaron wouldn’t have made that decision if he wasn’t ready,” said Jason Davidson, PBR Canadian finals producer.
It was a long road for the three-time Canadian champ and one that he’s ready to put behind him. He was back in the chute for the first time three weeks ago.
“Me coming into this event, it’s all just proving to myself that I can still ride, the injury didn’t end my career, I’m just here to have fun, just prove to myself I can still compete at this level,” said Roy.
While their eyes are all set on the prize, it’s hard for his competition not to be pulling for Roy in his comeback.
“It’s unfortunate that he’s back competing against me cause he likes to steal my money but it’s good to see him back, looking forward to seeing him ride again and travel down the road with him,” said Zane Lambert.
There’s no doubt the crowd and competition will react when the 27 year old’s name is called before he busts out of the gate.
“It’ll be a chilling moment, I think it really will, I’m going to be right there when he’s getting on, I guarantee you that,” said Davidson.
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