Imbil's link to world rodeo

Matthew Lee | 23rd January 2009

FROM humble beginnings growing up in the scenic surrounds of country life in Imbil, Philip Kropp has made a big impact in the sport of bull clowning. In fact, Kropp's success is nothing short of stunning.

Kropp, 25, is now based in Utah where he is one of the most respected and admired bull clowns on the bull riding circuit. With countless accolades and awards to his name, his resume is the envy of any bull clown.

But the story of Kropp's journey to fame traces right back to some of Kropp's earliest childhood memories.

As a young child, raised by parents John and Judy Kropp, he possessed a burning desire to ride bulls.

As an exceptional competitor at school, all early signs indicated that the naturally gifted athlete would ultimately pursue some form of sport to earn his way in life. But working with bulls was Kropp's first choice. It was a passion ignited from an early age.

As time went by and a young Kropp grew up, moving to Longreach Pastoral College, he found himself able to take his first tentative steps into the sport.

It was at Condamine, directly west of Kingaroy, that Kropp entered a bull clowning competition. With little practical knowledge on how to go about getting into the ring and facing the might of a fired up bull, Kropp was understandably nervous.

Nerves churning through his stomach, a cold sweat beginning to break on his forehead, Kropp tackled his initial hesitations and managed to pass safely through the ordeal.

The experienced prompted Kropp to seek out lessons to learn the fine art of the sport. It was then that the aspiring bull clown sought out the expertise of Graham Borghero who offered instruction through the Australian Professional Rodeo Association.

It was an early entry into bull clowning that in the fullness of time saw Kropp return as a fellow teacher to pass on his skills to a new generation of bull clowns.

Hooked and thriving on the sport, Kropp began to enter Bull Riding Australia competitions as a clown whenever possible, targeting places that offered the most money.

It was a lucrative decision and the wheels of a brilliant career began to turn, gathering in pace with each competition entered. But Kropp began to feel as though he had started to reach the threshold of what he could hope to obtain from the Australian circuit, and decided a move to America was necessary to break into new territory.

As soon as the emerging bull clown settled into America, Kropp wasted little time in entering full time rodeo work, often doing three or four nights a week.

Kropp made an instant impact on the American rodeo scene, gaining the affectionate nickname of “Kroppy”. Based mainly in Idaho and Utah, the work also involved travel throughout the vast interior of western USA.

The level of experience to be gained from the American circuit built upon Kropp's early foundations built in Australia, and the young star soon began to feel as though he was beginning to reach his goal when invited in 2008 to compete in the finals of the very selective Wilderness Circuit - a pinnacle event in America.

Bull riding competitors in the event were required to vote for a team of bull clowns to act as official clowns during competition. A list of 50 men rounded out the eligible clowns seeking nomination.

Kropp was honoured to have been short listed in this exclusive group of three bull clowns, as this was yet another milestone in his career. The role involved working in partnership to protect the bull fighters.

While one bull clown played the role of the “clown”, working with a barrel and providing comedy, the other two were charged with the responsibility of protecting the rider from the ferocity of the bull.

American rodeos last roughly two hours with 10 to 17 bulls introduced into the arena, staying for a total of around 30 seconds.

Bullfighting is widely regarded as the most dangerous sport in the world by those involved in the circuit. Bull riders and clowns often endure agonising injuries, while, at worst, deaths are a reality - although rarely publicised.

In total, there are fewer than 10 Australians working the circuits in America and Kropp is determined to advertise his Australian heritage. During his time in the ring, the bull clown can be seen jumping around with a toy Kangaroo on his back.

It seems only natural that the crowd cheers their approval as this young Aussie with a keen sense of adventure struts his stuff.