Brave Brad's The Best ? No Bull
Newcastle Herald
Monday May 25, 1998
KEMPSEY cattle dealer Brad Scott has never shied from a challenge.
The 27-year-old went from being pronounced dead two years ago to winning the Australian Professional Bull Riders Association Championship yesterday.
Scott was among 45 riders contesting the national title at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.
After performing badly on Saturday, the gutsy rider pulled out the performance of his career to beat arch rival Steve Thorne yesterday.
In a thriller that came down to the last ride, Thorne was thrown and Scott held on to win.
A remarkable achievement for someone who was nearly killed in an accident in the US two years ago.
Scott was the victim of a violent attack by a bull.
He was pronounced dead by doctors and paramedics three times after the accident.
His father, Mr John Scott, rushed overseas to find his son hooked up to a life-support system, suffering crushed lungs, five broken ribs, a broken sternum, crushed vertebrae and swelling and bleeding around the heart.
Scott fought to recover and still dislikes talking about the accident.
Doctors put the recovery down to superb fitness and a protective vest he was wearing.
Tour spokesman Mr Graham Holdstock said Scott was overjoyed by yesterday's win.
`He really showed what he was made of, it's the comeback of a lifetime,' Mr Holdstock said.
`The whole weekend has been a great success and there has even been talk of returning the event to Newcastle next year.'
A large crowd turned out for the national titles, including a band of protesters on Saturday night.
A peaceful group of Animal Liberation supporters picketed the Entertainment Centre with placards.
Animal Liberation director Ms Susan Neal said people did not realise how cruel the sport was to bulls.
`If we can just change one person's mind then it has been worth the effort for us,' Ms Neal said.
© 1998 Newcastle Herald
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