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Cowboys from all over the nation have been in Salt Lake this week for the Days of '47 Rodeo. The final day of competition is tomorrow. A year ago this week, a 19-year old bull rider from Tremonton was severely injured just seconds after he began his ride. Tonight, we have an update on Tag Elliott.
After the accident, we received many phone calls from viewers and those who were at the arena last year. The videotape of Elliott's short ride is difficult to watch. He was knocked unconscious when the bull's head and Elliott's face violently collided.
It's been a long year of rehabilitation. "I think he broke all the bones in the right side of my face, he broke a chunk out of my forehead and broke my bottom jaw," Elliott told us.
Spectators were stunned when it happened. Rodeo clowns distracted the bull so others could get Elliott into an ambulance.
He remembers nothing about the ride. "I thought it was all a bad dream when I first woke up. But then, when they told me what happened, I just figured I'd get over it," Elliott said.
The Days of '47 Rodeo is well respected on the rodeo circuit, drawing some of the best cowboys in the sport. At the time of the accident, Elliott was ranked 24th in the World Pro Rodeo standings. The previous year, he was the bull-riding champ in the Utah High School Rodeo Finals.
He's had nearly a dozen surgeries to rebuild his cheeks, jaw and mouth. More plastic surgery is needed, but he's pain-free and is getting the itch to ride again. He told us, "Yeah, yeah, I miss it quite a bit. I didn't right at first because I was hurting so bad, but I'm gettin' to where I'm missing it pretty good now."
Elliott hasn't competed since the accident but has been traveling with his older brother, Zach, who's also a bull rider on the circuit. Both admit the sport is dangerous but fun, and injuries are just part of it.
Elliott admits he'll battle some nerves when he finally returns. "I'm sure I'll be nervous, but I don't remember much of what happened just after, so I'm hoping I won't be too nervous," he said.
Elliott hopes to be riding again this winter, if doctors give the go-ahead. And he plans to compete in the Day's of '47 Rodeo next year. He was in the arena tonight watching his brother compete.
E-mail: kmccord@ksl.com
