The Champions
NFR REWIND 2022 MOMENTS
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A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AND GOLD BUCKLE are the pinnacle in the sport. On December 11, in front of a packed house, eight World Champions and an AllRound Cowboy were crowned with all the pomp and circumstance that comes with the accomplishments. When the champs exited the stage, they headed to the NFR media center where the emotions of this 10-day test of resilience, focus and fortitude were released for all of those within an ear and eye shot to witness. The mostly-private celebration is always exciting, provoking, and inspirational and yes … fun.
BY BRIAN HURLBURT
The world champs are met by family and friends, and more than a few hugs and pats on the back are passed around. Joyful tears and smiles are everywhere, and, if truth be known, a deep sense of relief is felt. There is no greater test in sports than the 100 or so rodeos necessary to qualify for the NFR and then 10 straight days competing against the best at the NFR, on the greatest stock in the world. Then once it’s over, it’s a dream realized. Here is what the champs had to say in those meaningful moments just after collecting their buckles:
PHOTO: Tom Donoghue.
EMOTIONS WERE STILL RAW WHEN THE NEWLY-MINTED 2021 WORLD CHAMPIONS ARRIVED IN THE THOMAS & MACK CENTER MEDIA AREA MOMENTS AFTER RECEIVING THEIR GOLD BUCKLES.
