This was the first year that breakaway roping was an official Stampede Rodeo event, making it the first addition to the Greatest Outdoor Show itinerary in over 45 years. And in the spirit of keeping things homegrown, Langdon’s Shelby Boisjoli-Meged was one of three Albertans to take home a champion title, including Saddle bronc rider Zeke Thurston of Big Valley and steer wrestler Scott Guenthner of Provost.
Opening the inaugural first day of Stampede breakaway on July 4, Boisjoli-Meged took home money with a blink and you’ll miss it 2.3 second run at GMC Stadium. Two days later, Boisjoli-Meged finished first again with another quick runtime of 2.6 seconds.
On July 13, as the first roper out of the gates, Boisjoli-Meged set her fastest time of 2.2 seconds for Texan competitors Hali Williams and Bradi Good to best. Both Williams and Good were penalized for breaking the starting barrier, leaving Boisjoli-Meged to take home the winner’s prize money of $50,000.
Boisjoli-Meged told CBC that it had been a “crazy” 24 hours. Prior to her Stampede victory, she was competing at the NFR Open for the Pikes Peak or Bust rodeo in Colorado where she also took home a victory.
She also said that it was the “best feeling in the world” knowing that her family was watching her win. Her husband, Haven Meged of Miles City, Mont., won a title in Calgary for tie-down roping last year.
All in all, Boisjoli-Meged took home over $60,000 in winnings for her break neck runs, although the honour of being the first person to win in Stampede breakaway roping might be priceless.
