RETIREMENT is treating ex PBR (Professional Bull Riders) bullfighter Shane ‘Maddog’ Simpson well.
Since his retirement earlier this year it has meant more time being spent with wife Kobie and their three young children.
Simpson, 39, is one of the most decorated bullfighters Australia has ever produced, winning eight Australian titles as well as the world title while being based in the US.
He also did what few others achieve and that was to retire at the top of his game.
It has also given him time away from the bull ride arena to freshen up and heal some of the injuries sustained over a 20 year bullfighting career that has included two cracked sternums, a fractured skull, broken ankle, broken collarbone and a few fingers.
But as the PBR continues to grow in Australia and overseas, including China, Simpson would not rule out a return to the sport.
“With the way the sport is going now, (nearly) a year after I retire we have expanded into China, I got a good job now where I have got every weekend off.” Simpson said.
“I don’t know if I get itchy feet or not, whether I start thinking of coming back.”
“(I get) mixed thoughts in my head sometimes I think when I’m sitting around at home and it’s too windy to go fishing and we got no football on I think, shit, I could be at that bull ride.” he said.
Simpson claims he is still fit and works out regularly. Physically and mentally he thinks he still has what it takes.
“Mate, who knows?”
“I may start training for the next half of the year and see what brings on for the start of the year (2015).
“Weather I want to get back into it or not. Just a decision I’d like to sit down with the Mrs (Kobie) and discuss.” Simpson said.
It will be a decision not to be taken lightly.
Simpson, a family man, has enjoyed the time off since his retirement. The freedom of not being committed to bullfight at a PBR every weekend or so and instead simply just being dad and enjoying other pursuits.
“I got three kids. I got a 25 foot reef boat that (along with me) has been retired as well.
“And my wife loves it” (being retired).
“Sometimes I think I’m too busy to even go back and fight bulls.
“We (family) haven’t had a break for the last thirteen weekends. We have had something on every weekend with football and school sports, inter school sports.” Simpson said.
If Simpson did decide to make a comeback he would be welcomed by his legion of fans in not only Australia but also internationally.
Quite simply, Simpson is not just a regular bull fighter.
He has ‘stage presence’ he gets the crowd involved in the excitement that is the PBR, a rockshow with the bulls thrown in.
Who else would ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle into a bull ride arena?
He gives the crowd what they want while protecting a bull rider from being harmed by a 900 kilogram bull.
But he was the type of bullfighter that was relaxed in the change rooms before an event.
“I don’t get psyched up about it. In the dressing rooms and getting changed and getting all your gear on, your vest and your knee brace, it (atmosphere) doesn’t really come until they announce you out there.”
“You would run out and the noise of the crowd and it was just the appreciation for how you had promoted the sport and where it has come to from where it’s been.”
Like a typical bullfighter Simpson’s main concern is always for the bull rider.
“When that first bull cracks out all you want is that bull rider to ride that bull and get out cleanly and (then) that bull chase you around, just to give the crowd a bit of action straight up.”
He paused to say “You never wish upon anyone (bull riders) to get hung up, but when someone does it’s the bullfighters chance to really shine and show your professionalism and how you operate.”
No matter what Simpson’s decision will be, it will be made with his wife and children at mind.
And to his peers and fans it will be a decision that will be respected by all.
