Pressure’s on protection athletes

By SARAH MARTIN

PASSION for the sport and respect for the rodeo committee keeps Joel Fabiani putting his body on the line to help riders and stock stay safe at the Weipa Rodeo – years after his planned retirement.

With just days to go until the 18th annual event, Joel is lining up for his 15th straight year as a protection athlete – colloquially known as a rodeo clown – in what is arguably a more dangerous position than the bullriders.

“I’ve retired for the last four years, but every year I seem to come back,” he said.

“It’s the adrenaline. You’re out there potentially saving people’s lives, protecting people and I just enjoy what I do.

“It’s also the rodeo committee and the people up in Weipa ... I’ll always keep doing it while my body allows it because they’ve looked after me for so many years.”

The 33-year-old used to follow the rodeo circuit as a protection athlete, looking after bullriders in more than 25 rodeos a year, but has now dropped back to just half a dozen of his favourite events, including Laura and Weipa.

“I need two knee replacements, shoulder reconstructions, I’ve got broken bones and bits and pieces and every bit of my body is pulled together with a bit of tape,” the contract musterer admitted.

“But you have to throw your body on the line every time. You only have a split second to make that decision and if you hesitate that rider gets hurt.”

He said nerves were definitely part of the gig, but he didn’t get scared.

“There’s always nerves, but if you’re scared that’s when it’s time – you shouldn’t be in there anymore,” Joel said.

“That’s when you can’t do what you need to do and you can’t protect yourself or the riders.”

He said the appreciation showed by the rodeo committee and the