Tim o'connell

Three-time PRCA World Champion Bareback Rider

about Tim o'connell

Three-time reigning Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) World Champion Bareback Rider Tim O’Connell grew up with rodeo in his blood. With his father, Ray O’Connell, being a 16-time Great Lakes PRCA circuit pickup man of the year, to his brother, Will O’Connell, having been a PRCA Bullfighter, a saddle bronc rider, and now a pickup man, Tim was destined to be a World Champion.

To be a World Champion doesn’t come without hard work and dedication. It takes a village to do what Tim does and to be successful at it as bareback riding is one of the most physically demanding sports out there. There are many factors that play into what it takes to be a professional rodeo athlete, and Tim knows how to put in the work that reaps the greatest reward.

Tim O'Connell

Tim was born in Dubuque, Iowa but grew up in Zwingle, Iowa, a town close to the Wisconsin border. While there he received a waiver to compete in the Wisconsin state rodeo championships where he represented the state of Wisconsin in the National High School Finals Rodeo. Aside from rodeoing, Tim competed in wrestling at his school, Maquoketa High School, which he believed truly prepared him for his career in bareback riding.

Flatlay of clothes and accessories — Some of Tim’s essentials from top left to bottom right: Tim’s handpicked Justin exotic boots, custom made riding chaps, bareback riggin' customized to his grip along with his riding gloves, and bade back riding vest.

red and black cowboy boots — Tim’s handpicked Justin exotic Pascoe boots.

Light brown leather riding glove — Tim's bareback riding glove.

Leather and metal contraption — Tim custom bareback riggin'.

Red chaps with blue and white fringe — Tim's custom-made riding chaps.

beige vest with patches — Tim's bareback riding vest.

scissors, bandages and medical tape — Bareback riding is one of the most straining rodeo events. To prevent injury Tim tapes and wraps his hands, wrists and other joints prior to riding.

Although Tim spends much of his time mentally and physically preparing for rodeos, he has always strived to put his faith and family first. Tim married his wife, Sami, in October of 2015 and had their first son, Hazen, on March 2, 2019.

At the 2018 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Tim suffered a shoulder injury from a bad get-off during Round 10. After being out for six months, Tim thanks the Justin Sportsmedicine Team and the many others that stood alongside him throughout his recovery. We couldn’t be happier and more proud of Tim as he makes his way back into the arena for yet another World Champion title.