A historic performance unfolded in Oklahoma City as Shania Johnston led a wave of lightning-fast runs, highlighting just how deep the breakaway field is heading into The American.
If you needed proof that the breakaway roping is getting faster, look no further than Oklahoma City. At the American Central Regional Finals, the breakaway roping has been wicked. History is being made in fact.
In the redemption round alone, there were 31 runs under two seconds. That is a very impressive statistic. Anything under two seconds is typically in the top few placings anywhere you go.
What Shania Johnston did, is a different level of fast. The shock on her face after she looked up at the clock said it all.
Johnston stopped the clock at 1.29 seconds. That is not a typo. One of the fastest runs we’ve ever seen in the history of breakaway roping, and she did not stop there. She backed it up with a 1.53 on her other entry, proving it wasn’t just a lucky shot, it was total execution.
Behind her, the leaderboard stayed just as impressive. Jackie Crawford came in third with a 1.57. Haiden Thompson was right behind in fourth with a 1.59.
The top four were all under 1.6 seconds. Even beyond that, the round was packed with 1-second runs. It was historically fast.
What’s on the Line
All of this is building toward one goal which is the American Championship Weekend in Arlington, Texas in May.
Five athletes have already qualified from the East regional finals. Five more will come from Oklahoma City and five from the West. They’ll join the Top 10 in the world, setting up one of the toughest and most prestigious breakaway fields of the year.
Finals Field Set
Fifteen ropers will battle it out Saturday night in Oklahoma City for those final spots:
Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, Kendal Pierson, Macy Hancock, Cheyanne McCartney, Timber Allenbrand, Hali Williams, Jade Mitchell, Molly Davis, Kyndra Darphin, Kali Jo Bannister, Shania Johnston, Jackie Crawford, Haiden Thompson, Shyanne Jarrett, and Corlee Massey.
It’s a mix of proven names and rising talent. Right now, Shania Johnston is stealing the spotlight. She’s making sure people know who she is.
Between this historic performance and a strong showing at the Kimes Million Dollar Breakaway Finals last fall, she’s proving she can compete on the biggest of stages.
When you’re roping like that, you’re not just in the mix, you are a threat to even the greatest girls in the world. They all better be ready, because only 5 will advance to Championship weekend, and these girls are on a heater.