In the demanding arena of rodeo, where resilience and skill come together, strength and conditioning play a pivotal role in an athlete’s success. Chris Sharkey, the newly appointed Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sports Medicine Team (CPRSMT), is on a mission to elevate rodeo training standards. His journey from the ice rink to the rodeo arena is a testament to his passion for fitness and commitment to helping athletes thrive.
Growing up as a hockey player, Sharkey faced the sobering realization that a career in the NHL was not in his future. “When my hockey career was winding down, I felt a bit lost,” he admits. Rather than wallow in uncertainty, he turned his attention to strength and conditioning—an area that had always fascinated him during his athletic journey. While completing his Junior B and Senior AA hockey commitments, Sharkey dove into multiple online certifications in personal training. “It was a busy two years, but I finally learned the ‘why’ behind a lot of the training I had been doing for years,” he reflects.
Though Sharkey initially steered clear of rodeo due to allergies to hay and horses, he was drawn to the sport as an adult by the remarkable camaraderie and resilience displayed by rodeo athletes. “The culture is similar to hockey, but rodeo athletes are some of the toughest and most grateful I’ve ever encountered,” he shares. This newfound appreciation informs his approach to training. “My goal is to meet the athletes where they are today, assess their goals, and create a tailored plan to help them progress.”
Sharkey recognizes the unique demands of rodeo. “Strength and conditioning are crucial for enhancing power, endurance, and injury prevention,” he explains. These factors allow athletes to manage the intense physical challenges of their events and recover more swiftly. He emphasizes the importance of core stability, grip strength, balance, and explosive power, alongside mobility and flexibility, to mitigate injury risks. “A proper warm-up routine is vital for an athlete’s readiness to perform,” he adds.
Rodeo athletes face specific challenges, including unpredictable movements, high-impact falls, and stress on joints. Sharkey aims to tackle these obstacles head-on by improving dynamic stability and implementing targeted injury prevention protocols. “Educating athletes on best practices is essential,” he insists, noting that the CPRSMT already provides valuable resources in this area.
As he steps into his new role with CPRSMT, Sharkey has clear priorities. “I want to build a network of like-minded strength and conditioning coaches across Canada,” he says. He envisions an environment of trust where coaches are present at events to assist athletes with warm-ups and provide customized exercise programs. “Long-term, I aim to partner with gyms across various regions, ensuring athletes have access to trusted facilities while on the road,” he explains.
Sharkey’s plans include mapping key event locations, establishing gym partnerships, and creating educational resources for warm-up routines and rehabilitation programs. “Consistency in messaging is crucial,” he emphasizes, underscoring his commitment to collaborating with other CPRSMT providers.
In a sport defined by its challenges, Chris Sharkey’s dedication to strength and conditioning is set to reshape how rodeo athletes prepare for competition. With a blend of experience, education, and enthusiasm, he is ready to lead the charge, ensuring that rodeo’s toughest competitors are equipped to face their greatest challenges head-on. As he puts it, “I want to help rodeo athletes become not just competitors, but champions.”