Cooper McConnell to represent Australia at the 2024 IMBA World Finals
When Central Queenslander Cooper McConnell first got on a bull at only nine, he knew it was his destiny. Now, his supporters have fundraised $14,000 for him to represent the nation.
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At just nine years old, Gracemere’s Cooper McConnell rode his very first bull and fell in love with the sport of rodeo, making it his goal to become an Australian and world champion bull rider.
Six years later, Cooper has qualified to represent Australia at the 2024 IMBA (International Miniature BullRiders Association) World Finals in the United States of America.
Cooper, who just turned 15 on Tuesday, said his passion for bull riding started in 2018 when his dad, Mason Fuller, asked him if he wanted to try it out while they were going past The Great Western Hotel in Rockhampton.
“I said, ‘I might have a little go on it’,” he said.
“I got on one and I was a bit scared but just felt like I had to do it. It was my job that I was born to.
“I went back there the next weekend and tried it again.
“Ever since then I’ve just kept doing it. I just love it.”
The talented young bull rider has racked up a number of wins over the years, most recently as part of the Australian Trans Tasman High School Rodeo Team at New Zealand in February.
Cooper returned home with four wins and four places, across Junior Steer Rider, Mad Bull and Novice Steer Ride.
He said he didn’t believe his mum, Jaime-Lee Penrose, when she told him last Monday, August 5, that he had qualified to represent Australia at the 2024 IMBA World Finals, which are held from September 3 – 7 at Golden Spike Arena in Ogden, Utah.
“It’s got me pretty pumped up,” he said.
“I had to ride all year to get my spot. I’m glad I earned it.
“I’m just trying to work out and get ready for it.
“It’s going to be big. I can’t wait.”
Jaime-Lee, a single mother of three, said it was the third time her son had qualified to be in the world finals.
In 2020 Cooper made the Texas Youth Bull Riding World Finals Qualifier and in 2021 he made the Las Vegas Junior World Finals Qualifier.
Sadly, his dream to represent Australia was unfulfilled due to Covid.
“They say third time lucky,” Jaime-Lee said.
“He takes pride in representing his country.
“The fact I am hopefully able to go with him and stand by his side and see him live those dreams is great.
“To say I am proud is an understatement. I couldn’t be prouder.”
To help the family get Cooper to the USA to compete in the world finals, his aunt, Alisha Penrose, created a GoFundMe, which smashed its target of $10,000, raising $14,030 in eight days.
“I’d like to thank all the people that have donated me money to get me to where I am going,” Cooper said.
“I appreciate everyone’s help.”
Jaime-Lee said she was “forever thankful”.
“The biggest thank you goes out to the community,” she said.
“This trip would not be happening without the help and support of the community.
“Every little bit helps.”
She said the money would go towards flights, travel insurance, visas, accommodation and food.
Jaime-Lee said what was leftover would be put towards new bull riding equipment for Cooper.
The family had a rough start to the year after a car accident on their way home from the 2023 Sarina New Year’s Eve Rodeo left them without a car.
“It was a minor car accident, it could have been a lot worse,” she said.
“We are all good, no one was injured.
“It was myself, Cooper and one of Cooper’s rodeo mates with us.
“I didn’t have a car, however, I have a mate who has lent us a car to get by.
“There is always somebody we know that is travelling.
“He has not missed too many (rodeos). I do what I do to get him there.
“Whatever it takes to assist my children to do what they want to do.”
Cooper, who attends Rockhampton State High School, was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and dyslexia when he was six years old, which has made school tough for him.
“It is what it is,” he said.
“I think bull riding helps me with it.
“That’s where I take my anger out on.
“I just love it. It’s what I do.”
When he finishes school, Cooper said he wants to continue bull riding and probably look at getting a job on a cattle station.
“I’m just going to keep riding bulls until I figure out what to do,” he said.
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Originally published as Cooper McConnell to represent Australia at the 2024 IMBA World Finals
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