No fear for only girl competing in Jr Rodeo at Mt Isa festival

It was the toughest bull in the pen given to the only girl in the junior section of the richest rodeo in Australia.

She was the only girl in the junior bullriding competition at the biggest rodeo in the southern hemisphere and she was tasked to battle the toughest bull in the pen – twice.

Sharlette Johnson, 16, competed in front of hundreds in one of the most dangerous sports in the world at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo.

Sharlette Johnson, 16, the only female to compete in the junior bullride event, in action at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo on Friday. Picture: Dan Peled/Getty Images

“I thought he was a cracker little bull I reckon, he was standing there nice waiting for me to get on… he was tough, Dad reckons he is the toughest one in the pen so he had a fair fight,” Ms Johnson said.

She‘s been in rodeo since she was just seven, and is eager to get better and better.

“I was definitely nervous… but it was amazing, the crowd was awesome, the announcers were awesome, I’ll definitely be back next year,” she said.

Her father Troy has ridden bulls throughout his life but admits he gets a bit nervous when he sees his daughter compete.

“She wanted to have a go one time in the Northern Territory and then got addicted to it and now she wants to be the best,” Mr Johnson said.

Sharlette Johnson, 16, the only female to compete in the junior bullride event, in action at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo on Friday. Picture: Dan Peled/Getty Images

“There is always that bit of fear in the back of your mind for them after knowing what its like and how tough it really is – there is a lot of risk and danger – but if you’ve got the right mindset you can keep yourself as safe as possible.”

The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, which started in 1959, hosts the best riders from across the world with hundreds participating and thousands watching.

“The crowds get behind everybody, it was fantastic, really well run and enjoyable,” Mr Johnson said.