Rodeo and bull riding are not only growing in popularity in America but around the world. In the last month America experienced the loss of two young bull riders. Last weekend Australia rodeo fans lost their All-around National Champion Cowboy, Greg Meech. Greg, 33, from Caboolture, died in Ipswich Hospital from internal bleeding on Saturday night after he was thrown off a bull and stomped on at the Ipswich Rodeo in south-east Queensland, Australia. The event served as the National Rodeo Association (NRA) finals.
NRA spokesman Jason Hall defended their safety recorded stating that Greg knew the dangers of the sport and was a rider with many years experience. "He ... would have been crowned, or still is, the All-round Champion for 2007," The announcement that Mr. Meech had won the All-around Champion Cowboy title was made after Greg had been taken to the hospital. "Greg was a very good bull rider,” added Mr. Hall. “On the completion of that bull ride we had the presentation night for the 2007 awards and Greg actually won the All-round Championship in the cowboy title. He won the Bareback Riding Champion and he finished third in the bull riding title. Greg, like myself; was also on the board of the National Rodeo Association. He worked very hard behind the scenes with the administrative side and he will be sorely missed."
The staff of Rodeo Attitude both in Australia and in America expresses our sincere sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of Greg Meech, All-around Champion Cowboy 2007 NRA.
