Kade Madsen Captures 2021 LFC Title

VERNAL, UTAH – This last year has been unpredictable, but then again, so is the sport of Bull Riding. The 21st Annual Lane Frost Bull Riding Challenge kicked off the weekend with one of the largest crowds the event has seen. As 50 Cowboys from seven states entered the arena they were reminded of their diverse backgrounds, strong points to prove, and similar desire to keep the spirit of Lane Frost alive.

Kade Madsen, a 15-year-old bull rider from Honeyville, Utah made history Saturday night by being the youngest ever winner of the LFC Bull Riding Championship title. Madsen started the weekend off with a 73 point ride on “Red” from Silver Creek Pro Rodeo. This new rider went on to score another 73 points in the second round and a jaw dropping 90 point final ride on “Red Dirt Rivets” in the Championship Round! Madsen was the only person to ride all three bulls for a combined score of 236 in just his second year competing professionally. Much like Lane Frost, whose first win came at a mere ten years old, young Madsen shared wisdom far beyond his years “Just believe that you can and give it your all.” Madsen plans to spend his winnings on a new truck to rodeo in, which will be waiting for him when he is old enough to drive.

Brandon Olson placed second with a total of 170.5 points on two head. This 25-year-old from Franktown, Colorado led the pack Friday night with an 86 point ride on Whitley Bucking Bulls, “City Lights”. Olson has been riding in the PRCA for the last 6 years and aspires to be the best cowboy he can be. When asked what advice he would give to up and coming riders, Olson recognized the importance of friendship, “Find the right people to travel with. They help keep you in the right mind set.”

Third place winner, Payton Nelson, is a long-time competitor and our 2020 LFC Event Champion. Nelson started strong on Friday night with a score of 80 points on “Smoke Wagon” from Silver Creek Pro Rodeo, and finished Saturday’s Championship Round with an 85 on “No Better” from Silver Creek Pro Rodeo. Payton has been on the pro rodeo circuit for four years and says his faith is what keeps him strong, “I have to give glory to God, because it’s impossible without him.” Even with a pandemic shutting down events Nelson was still able to attend around 50 rodeos in 2020. Nelson is grateful to the LFC for putting on such an excellent and safe event.

We here at the LFC Bull Riding Challenge are reminded each year of one inspiring young man, Lane, whose luck was determined by “hard work, faith in myself and in God.” We are proud of these riders that strive to chase their dreams and we look forward to the 2022 event. Hope to see you there!