The rodeo world has seen many champions over the years who have found a place in the history books of the sport. These battle-hardened athletes proved their strength and skills even while facing the meanest bovines. There are many young talents who want to walk in the footsteps of the PBR legends and forge a legacy out of blood and sweat. Recently, one bull riding star from Roy, Utah, got such an opportunity to add another victory to his growing list of achievements.

24-year-old Kyler Oliver thought his contention for the trophy at Friday night’s PBR Camping World Team Series was over. With only one out left for the winning team to be decided and the match-up already drawn, surely Oliver would not have a chance to compete. At least, that’s what he thought, but fate had other plans in store for him.

Kyler Oliver receives an unexpected chance at rodeo glory

The tension at the famous Thunder Ridge Nature Arena was high, as one ride would decide the winner of the event. The Outlaws were tied with Missouri Thunder, with both squads earning 87 points each. At this juncture, the Outlaws earned a huge advantage because of an opportune challenge. The Outlaws’ red hot star Cassio Dias earned a re-ride for the squad after a Challenge Flag questioned his out from the chute.

With this redo, the Outlaws had the chance to ride last instead of the home team as per League rules. J.W. Hart, the Outlaws’ head coach, considered his options for about five seconds and chose Kyler Oliver instead of the 2023 breakout star. Many questioned his decision while the PBR announcer, Matt West, even approached the coach with the same doubt. According to PBR, Hart only replied, “Why not?” implying his confidence in the young star.

J.W. Hart knew well that the sound decision would have been to reenter Cassio Dias in the final matchup. Dias had already secured the leading 10-for-14 scores for the team and would have carried the Outlaws to victory. But the coach wanted to give Kyler Oliver a chance at another magnificent closing. The young rodeo legend did not disappoint and bested his bulky opponent, Tijuana Two-Step, with sheer willpower. After the event, Kyler Oliver revealed what went through his mind as he stepped in for the re-ride, to the amazement of everyone.

Kyler Oliver reveals the mindset of a champion

Kyler Oliver said to himself, “Go out there and do your job because they’re counting on you”. He did not want to let his team down, and neither did he. His stellar performance brought the total tally for the Outlaws to 172.5-87 points. His teammates celebrated the victory and embraced Kyler Oliver in joy. The happiness of the moment was not lost on the young man, who said, “It was definitely worth it. I was so glad to finally get things on track and finally be doing what I’m supposed to be doing for my team”.

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Kyler Oliver became the third finisher on Friday at Missouri after Daniel Keeping from the Texas Rattlers and the Austin Gamblers’ Leandro Machado. He now ranks fifth on the overall Kansas City ride leaderboard and is steadily climbing up the ladder. Going forward, he will surely be an Outlaw staple in the 2023 PBR Teams Championships.

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