Charlie Sampson facts for kids
Charles Osgood "Charlie" Sampson (born July 2, 1957) is an American former professional rodeo cowboy who was amazing at bull riding. He became the 1982 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Champion bull rider. He made history as the first African-American cowboy to win a world championship in professional rodeo. He was honored by being inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1996.
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Early Life of a Champion
Charlie Sampson was born in Los Angeles, California, on July 2, 1957. When he was a boy, he found a job at some horse stables near Gardena, California. This helped him stay away from trouble and sparked his interest in horses and rodeo. He was a big fan of Myrtis Dightman, a famous African-American bull rider known as the "Jackie Robinson of Rodeo."
Charlie's Rodeo Career
Charlie Sampson stands 5 feet, 4 inches tall. He was a truly groundbreaking rodeo cowboy. He was the first African American to win a world title in the PRCA. Even though he competed in a sport mostly dominated by white cowboys, Sampson rarely talked about race. He once said that some people didn't realize that about a quarter of all cowboys in the old West were black. Today, he works at the "Rimrock Dude Ranch" in Cody, Wyoming.
Tough Injuries
Charlie Sampson is also known for getting many injuries during his career. For example, his left calf has 17 pins and two metal plates! In 1983, a bull caused a very serious injury to his face. The U.S. President at the time, Ronald Reagan, even saw this happen. Another time, in 1988, a bull ran over him and ripped off part of his ear. Despite these tough injuries, Sampson's PRCA career lasted almost 20 years. He made it to the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) 11 times.
Retirement and Honors
Sampson retired from rodeo after the National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Pocatello, Idaho, in 1994. After retiring, he appeared in advertisements for companies like Wrangler Jeans and Timex. In 1996, he was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, which is a huge honor for rodeo athletes.
Big Wins and Awards
Charlie Sampson won many important titles during his career:
- PRCA World Champion bull rider, 1982
- PRCA Sierra Circuit bull riding champion, 1984
- Calgary Stampede bull riding champion, 1985
- PRCA Turquoise Circuit bull riding champion, 1985–86 and 1993
- Copenhagen/Skoal bull riding champion, 1992
- 2-time bull riding champion at Pendleton Round-Up
- 2-time Grand National Rodeo (Cow Palace) champion
- 2-time bull riding champion at California Rodeo Salinas
- 3-time champion of George Paul Memorial Bull Riding in Del Rio, Texas
- Rodeo Superstars Champion bull rider
Hall of Fame Honors
Charlie Sampson has been recognized by many different halls of fame:
- 1996 ProRodeo Hall of Fame
- 2003 National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame
- 2004 PBR Ring of Honor
- 2008 Rodeo Hall of Fame of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum
- 2009 Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame
- 2019 Bull Riding Hall of Fame
Personal Life
Sampson went to Central Arizona College. He married Marilyn Casmon in 1984. Marilyn was from Big Spring, Texas. The Sampsons had two sons: Laurence Charles, born in 1984, and Daniel Carl, born in 1988. Their family made their home in Aurora, Colorado.
