By: Julia Dondero
From starting the week at the Last Chance Qualifier to ending the week as the 2023 Women’s Rodeo World Championship Breakaway Roping Champion, Kelsie Domer victoriously turned $250 to $60,000 over a few days. The 9-time WPRA World Champion chose to qualify for the 2023 WRWC through the Last Chance Qualifier and ultimately topped the competitive field of Breakaway Ropers to take home the $60,000 grand prize and prestigious title.
The Last Chance Qualifier provided athletes with one last opportunity to claim their spot in Women’s richest rodeo. WRWC Commissioner Linsay Rosser-Sumpter explained its uniqueness stating, “We wanted to provide cowgirls with the most opportunities possible to showcase their skills. The Last Chance Qualifier allows high-caliber cowgirls to compete at a major event and take one last shot at qualifying for the WRWC.”
And boy did the World Champion take advantage of this opportunity. After becoming a new mother to her 9- month old daughter Oaklynn and starting a family with her husband, Ryan, the Texan cowgirl took a momentary step back from the arena. Utilizing this Last Chance Qualifier to her advantage, Domer was able to secure her spot in the WRWC.
“I was so grateful for this opportunity and the way it all played out. After having my baby and knowing I had this qualifier as an option took away a lot of the stress to get my nomination points in.”
Domer, who has been a standout competitor since the start of the WRWC in 2020, roped smart and consistent down to the last calf. Going into the Triple Crown of Rodeo Round, one calf stood between her and the $60,000 paycheck. Knowing she had to be quicker than Kassidy Dennison’s 4.47 run, Domer explained her game plan stayed consistent and aimed to get a good start, and not back off on her 19-year-old gelding “Little Man”. When the dust settled, Domer went for the gold and roped her calf in a quick 2.16 seconds, sealing the deal as the 2023 WRWC Champion Breakaway Roper.
“I am so thankful for this opportunity. This kind of money is life-changing and sets my family and me up for a great Summer” explained Domer.
Looking forward, Domer will hit the PRCA rodeo trail this summer, aiming to qualify for her second National Finals Breakaway Roping. In these pursuits, she also plans to nominate rodeos and jackpots alike to secure her spot for WCRA Major, Rodeo Carolina in October. With this recent win in Fort Worth, Domer has her eyes on the million-dollar Triple Crown of Rodeo Prize.
Looking to the future of Women’s Rodeo, Domer, like many other breakaway ropers, are excited for what’s to come. “Since the beginning of the WCRA, breakaway ropers have been so grateful for the equal opportunities provided for us. When I was the age of these younger competitors, we didn’t have this kind of opportunity. It is so exciting to see what the future has in store.”
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