Charlie Sampson facts for kids
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Charles "Charlie" Sampson is a famous American former professional rodeo cowboy. He was born on July 2, 1957. Charlie was a specialist in bull riding, which is a very exciting and challenging sport.
In 1982, he became the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Champion bull rider. This was a huge achievement! He was also the first African-American cowboy to win a world championship in professional rodeo. Because of his amazing career, he was honored in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1996.
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Early Life and Rodeo Dreams
Charlie Sampson grew up in Los Angeles, California. He was born there on July 2, 1957. When he was a boy, he found a job at a riding stable. This stable was close to Gardena, California.
Working with horses helped him discover his love for rodeo. He was inspired by another great African-American bull rider, Myrtis Dightman. Myrtis Dightman was often called the "Jackie Robinson of Rodeo."
A Champion's Career
Charlie Sampson is 5 feet, 4 inches tall. He made history in the sport of rodeo. 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 athletes, Charlie rarely talked about race. He once said that many cowboys in the old West were black. He believed that people sometimes just didn't know this fact. Today, Charlie works at the "Rimrock Dude Ranch" in Cody, Wyoming.
Tough Injuries in Bull Riding
Bull riding is a very dangerous sport. Charlie Sampson is known for getting many injuries during his career. For example, his left calf has 17 pins and two metal plates.
In 1983, a bull threw him down and broke many bones in his face. He also broke his ankle, leg, sternum, and wrist. In 1988, a bull ran over him and ripped off part of his ear. Despite these serious injuries, Charlie Sampson's PRCA career lasted almost 20 years. He competed in the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) 11 times.
Life After Rodeo
Charlie Sampson stopped competing in rodeo in 1994. He retired after the National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Pocatello, Idaho. After retiring, he appeared in advertisements for companies like Wrangler Jeans and Timex.
In 1996, he received a great honor. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. This recognized his amazing achievements in the sport.
Major Wins and Awards
Charlie Sampson earned many titles and awards throughout 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
Honors and Recognition
Charlie Sampson has been recognized by many different organizations for his contributions to rodeo:
- 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
Family Life
Charlie Sampson went to Central Arizona College. He married Marilyn Casmon in 1984. Marilyn was from Big Spring, Texas.
Charlie and Marilyn had two sons. Their first son, Laurence Charles, was born in 1984. Their second son, Daniel Carl, was born in 1988. The family made their home in Aurora, Colorado.
