2020 Media Guide - World Champions

Bull Riding Kimzey wins sixth straight world title

Bull rider Sage Kimzey continues to rewrite the ProRodeo record books. Following another stellar performance at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and a historic 2019 season, Kimzey became only the second cowboy in PRCA history to win six consecutive gold buckles – the first to do it in his first six seasons – and the third cowboy to win at least six bull riding world titles. “Each one is special,” said the 25-year-old. “I don’t get emotional often but this one is special. …This year I didn’t know if I could ride (due to an injury he suffered at the 2018 Finals), and then I found a brace that worked for my elbow. This year was a grind. Some years are smooth sailing, and this was a tough year. I’m thankful for the tough times because I wouldn’t be theman I amwithout them.”

Only two bull riders have as many world titles as Kimzey, and both of them are ProRodeo Hall of Famers: Jim Shoulders (1951, 1954-59) and Don Gay (1974-77, 1979-81, 1984). Kimzey is tied with Shoulders for the PRCA record for consecutive bull riding world champion- ships and has his sights set on surpassing Gay’s eight world titles. “It’s hard to put into words, it is something that will take a long time for me to realize what it means,” Kimzey said.“I’m just riding bulls and having fun. I feel good about it (passing Gay’s record).” The Strong City, Okla., cowboy finished the 2019 seasonwith a PRCA bull riding record earning $480,797, breaking his 2017 record of $436,479. During the 2019 summer run, rodeo started to wear on Kimzey. “I like my chances

2019 WORLD CHAMPIONS

every year,” Kimzey said. “There are bumps along the road, and I still had a good winter run, mostly credited to RodeoHouston, but it was a bumpy road until August. I was talking to Alexis (Kimzey’s fiancée) and didn’t want to think about rodeo at the end of July. “But I went home for a day during Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days and she said, ‘You can fight through it or quit.’It is an eye-opening deal with two choices, and I’m happy with the choice I made.” Kimzey entered the 2019 Wrangler NFR with a $93,000 lead over second place and won the world by a margin of $136,224.

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Clay Guardipee

After a historic 2019 season, Kimzey became the first cowboy in PRCA history to win six consecutive world titles in his first six season s.

–Matt Naber

2020 PRCA MEDIA GUIDE

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