PBR Australia News

Nearly killed seven years ago, he’s still atop those bulls and living life’s amazing race

Confirmed to ride in Australia’s premier bull riding competition, 30 year old, Oklahoma born Cord McCoy makes his way back to the country he calls his “favourite” – a year since he last broke ground here competing in another competition – the USA’s Amazing Race.  

Bull rider McCoy, and his brother Jet, said Sydney was the favourite place they’d ‘raced’, telling US media, “Sydney is a great city and the people were really cool.  For some reason, when we got to Sydney and started moving around and asking directions, I just got a good feeling.  It was a beautiful place with all the architecture and everything."

Their first time in the Amazing Race, the cowboy favourites made it to the finale, came in second, and collected a country full of fans along the way.  Loved for their unassuming natures and great humour, they were voted back for the All-Star return, Unfinished Business, got ousted early but made it as far as Sydney.

Keen to come back ever since, McCoy jumped at the invitation to be part of this year’s Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Australian Cup Series, his second time in competition here.

“I really wanted to come, not just because I love Sydney, but because you guys have got some great Aussie bull riders who are pretty heavy-duty competition.

“A bunch of them, and they seem to get more every year,” he laughed, “are riding in the US and they’re good.

“I’m looking forward to riding on their home turf.”

In Sydney for a five day whistlestop to promote the competition before he comes for the July 2 Newcastle and July 9 Sydney bull rides, McCoy says the fleeting visit feels a little bit as hectic as his Amazing Race, but like he does everything else, takes it in his stride.

McCoy’s has been a race of a different kind but with ups and downs, excitement and pitfalls, just like the TV show.  He takes the bull by the horns and doesn’t just get on with it, but makes the most of what he is dealt.  

In 2004 a hoof-blow to the head nearly killed him.

He was placed in a medically induced coma for more than a week and coming out of it had to start all over again, relearning basic motor skills, including speech.

He rehabilitated in a miraculous eight months and was back in serious competition by late 2005.

In 2006 he qualified for the first of what is, so far, four bull riding World Finals and he’s had a PBR event named in his honour – the Cord McCoy Invitational held each May in Ada, Oklahoma.

He fled a hurricane in the summer of 2008, took a road trip instead of a flight and the detour put him in the path of the woman who would become his wife two years later.  

Sara Best farewelled her husband only two days after they married, sending him off for his second stint on the Amazing Race.

“She’s got my back, she’s great,” he said when asked about Sara’s reaction to his so-soon after departure.

And that’s just like the man, making the most of every moment.  Amazing!

From bull rider to racer to husband, Cord is the the real McCoy, having the ride of his life!

The 2011 Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Australian Cup Series, kicks off at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre Saturday June 18, takes in Townsville (June 25), Newcastle (July2) and wraps up with  the National Finals at Sydney’s Acer Arena on July 9.

Cord McCoy will compete in the Newcastle and Sydney competitions.