Cooper Martin Out After Wrist Surgery
Cooper Martin was supposed to be preparing for his Fourth of July run. Instead, the three-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier is preparing for his rehab.
Martin, 24, underwent surgery June 16 after getting his right (throwing) hand caught in a coil and dislocating his wrist.
Martin suffered two torn ligaments in his wrist. He will begin rehabilitation in eight weeks.
“Ty Harris and I had just had one of the best Fourth of July entries, we were entered up everywhere,” Martin said about a week before surgery. “All the big rodeos. He’s going to go to like 17 rodeos over the Fourth in about 21 days. I’m happy for him. I was sure looking forward to going out there with a fresh start.”
Martin knows about strong Cowboy Christmas runs. In 2018 he earned $23,944 over the 10 days of Cowboy Christmas, more money than any timed-event competitor and six most among all competitors.
A year later, he was back at it, earning $25,005, eighth most among all competitors and fourth most among timed-event contestants.
“I think that I’ve always been a summer guy,” he said. “I’m someone who steps up in the summer when we go to more rodeos. I was in that mindset beforehand, just putting the work in, prepping as much as I can, being mentally ready to win. Having that many rodeos to go to, it’s the big thing. We all look forward to the Fourth as much as anything.”
The injury happened June 1, while Martin was practicing with his friend Mark Atkinson.
“I was making a rodeo run,” Martin said. “I stuck my hand through a coil, so when it came tight it was half-hitched over my wrist.”
As of June 17, Martin was still 11th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $31,624.
His best finish came in 2017, his first year making the NFR, when he finished ninth. In 2018 and 2019 he finished 13th.
It didn’t make him feel any better that when he was sitting in the emergency room he received his invitation to compete at the Calgary Stampede. Martin knows his 2021 season is over, for the most part. But Martin is staying positive. He’s on to next season.
“In 2022, I’m going to be better than ever,” he said. “It’ll be a tough deal, but I’m going to work through it.”
View this post on Instagram
Courtesy of PRCA