Heroic Story of 79-Year-Old Rodeo Champion Who Competed With One Lung After a Ferocious Bull’s Devastating Blow

The 79-year-old rodeo icon, Jan Youren, is a force to be reckoned with. She has spent 51 years beating the odds, battling fierce bulls and bucking broncos, breaking records, and got lacerations in almost every bone in her body. This living legend achieved five world championships in bareback bronc riding, along with an array of reserve championships in both bull riding and bronc riding.

She has paved the way for women in the sport. Overcoming countless challenges and injuries, including the loss of a lung from a fierce bull’s shocking blow. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and guts.

a staunch tale of the 79-year-old Rodeo champion

According to Idaho Senior Independent, Jan Youren began her rodeo journey at the tender age of 11. Her father, Sterling Alley, introduced her to the thrilling world of horsemanship. With an undeniable passion for riding, she competed in various rodeo events, including tie-down calf roping, team roping, and even goat tying. Her perseverance paid off, and she emerged victorious in multiple disciplines, becoming a dominant force in the rodeo circuit.

Throughout her legendary career, Youren encountered numerous setbacks, enduring countless injuries that would have halted most athletes’ dreams. But her love for rodeo proved unbeatable. She broke her nose 14 times, fractured her cheekbones eight times, and suffered dislocated shoulders, among other injuries. In a tragic event in 1980, a bull’s devastating blow shattered her ribs, collapsed a lung, and bruised her heart, leaving her with only one lung. But she refused to be defeated, continuing to compete and breathe life into the sport she adored.

Her awe-inspiring career reached its pinnacle in 2005 when she finished third overall in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association circuit, fulfilling a promise she had made to herself. Recognition, respect and accolades have rightly followed Jan Youren’s remarkable career. She was appropriately elected to the prestigious National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 1993, a reflection of her significant influence. 2015 saw her inducted into the Idaho Rodeo Hall of Fame, further recognizing her commitment to Western American heritage and culture.

Inducted Into the Hall of Fame

Her unyielding spirit and invincible will to never give up set Youren apart from the rest. Despite enduring so much she remained headstrong. She rodeoed for 51 years, relentlessly pursuing the hard to achieve 6-second whistle in bucking broncs and bull riding, while simultaneously shattering every record ever held by a woman in rough stock riding. The rush of rodeo, with its adrenaline-fueled highs, became her driving force and addiction, surpassing any thrill that sporting community could provide. Jan Youren’s remarkable achievements include five world championships in bareback bronc riding, along with an impressive 17 reserve championships. In addition, she secured 13 reserve championships in bull riding.

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It was clear that Jan Youren was being directed and protected by a higher power during her amazing experience. She had a strong confidence in divine intervention and attributed her safety and survival to her steadfast faith. She overcame difficulties with her contagious positive attitude and sincere humour, whether it was dealing with the demanding requirements of rodeo or suffering arduous travels. She was resolute in her response to life’s challenges, and she always came out stronger. Now in her retirement years, surrounded by a loving family, Jan Youren remains deeply grateful for a life well-lived—a life dedicated to pursuing her passions and inspiring countless generations to embrace their own dreams.

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