Ben Johnson: A World-Renowned Roper in Rodeo

Recently, I came across a comment implying that Ben Johnson, the late American actor, was not a world champion in rodeo. It's disheartening to see such a viewpoint from someone who claims to be so anti-American and believes in their own superiority. However, the assertion that rodeo is a worldwide phenomenon is not entirely accurate. Let's explore the truth behind rodeo championships and the title of a world champion in this sport.

Rodeo: A Global Phenomenon?

The commenter's assertion that rodeo is a worldwide competition seems to be a misconception. Rodeo competitions are primarily held in North and South America, as well as in Australia and the Philippine Islands. However, there is no international sanctioning body that oversees all rodeo competitions. Each country has its own events and rules, which can differ slightly, originating from Hispanic cattle-handling practices.

Ben Johnson: A PRCA World Champion Roper

Ben Johnson, the late actor, was indeed a world champion in rodeo, specifically a PRCA World Champion Team Roper in 1953. To clarify, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is the largest sanctioning body for rodeo in the United States, and it designates the "World Champion" title to those who achieve the highest rankings at the end of each season. Therefore, from one perspective, Johnson can be considered a world champion because the PRCA, the largest and most recognized rodeo association in the United States, confers this honor.

The Debate Over World Champion Title

One can argue that Johnson was a world champion based on the following points:

The PRCA Title: Johnson was a PRCA World Champion Team Roper, a title officially recognized within the U.S. rodeo community. Origins of Rodeo: Rodeo as a sport primarily originated in the United States, and its rankings, particularly those of the PRCA, can be considered the de facto standard for professional competition.

However, from another perspective, Johnson may not be considered a world champion in the truest sense because there is no international competition with representatives from different countries. The PRCA rankings do not include competitors from other nations, making it difficult to claim Johnson as a world champion in the broader sense of the term.

Conclusion

Ben Johnson's title as a PRCA World Champion Team Roper stands as a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport of rodeo. Whether one views him as a true world champion or not is a matter of perspective. What remains undeniable is his significance in the history of professional rodeo.