Bareback Riding Champion Cooper Filipek’s Father Shares Update After Tragic Rodeo Accident
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Bareback Rider Cooper Filipek Suffers Severe Injury At Utah Rodeo
On Thursday (August 6), professional bareback rider Cooper Filipek was involved in a devastating wreck at the Cache County Fair and Rodeo in Logan, Utah. Filipek was injured after a horse completely rolled over him during the competition.
The 23-year-old was later reported to have broke his back as a result of the accident.
Cooper Filipek’s Father Shares An Update
On Friday (August 7), Filipek’s father shared an update on the rider’s condition post surgery. According to rodeo journalist Kendra Santos, his father said the “surgery to stabilize the broken L5 vertebra in his low back with rods and screws was successful.”
However, Santos reports that the riding champion is expected to sit out from the sport for a year. On Saturday (August 8) she then shared a video from the hospital where Filipek was up and walking around using a walker.
Filipek is the reigning College National Finals Rodeo bareback riding champion and has continued making a name for himself since going professional.
In January, Filipek earned a major victory at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, posting an 85.5-point ride to claim the bareback riding championship.
Supporters and other members of the rodeo community have continued sharing prayers and well wishes for the young rider. You can watch a clip of Filipek competing below.
