SunOct 12

Lane Frost

Lane Frost, America’s most beloved rodeo champion, was born on October 12, 1963. In his short-lived life, he reached unfathomable heights as a professional bull rider. Frost garnered fans from all over the country, as he broke records and gave a new meaning to American bull riding. Years after his untimely death in the arena in 1989, we continue to celebrate his life and honor his legacy by pursuing the things that scare us.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Lane Clyde Frost

Nickname:

Bad to the Bone

Birth date:

October 12, 1963

Death date:

July 30, 1989 (age 25)

Zodiac Sign:

Libra

Height:

5' 1"

Net Worth:

$1.5 million

Lane's Social Media:

Background

Lane Frost was born to a rancher family in Lapoint, Utah. His father was a trained bareback rider, who often competed on the rodeo circuit. Although his father took charge of young Frost’s training and instilled the discipline of bull riding in him, he was always believed to be a natural bull rider who shared a special relationship with the beasts in the arena. In 1969, seven-year-old Frost bull rode off the farm on the back of a domesticated calf, which shocked his parents. A couple of years later, he successfully won his first title at Little Buckaroos Rodeos held in Utah.

The Frost family moved to Oklahoma in 1981, and Lane Frost was enrolled in Atoka High School, where he started his rodeo training and professional career. Following that year, Frost won the National High School Bull Riding Champion. In the subsequent year, he won the Bull Riding Championship of the first Youth National Finals held in Texas.

Frost quickly garnered national prominence and became a highly successful bull rider by breaking multiple records and attracting new audiences to the sport. His winning streak remains unparalleled in the world of rodeo. It all came crashing down on July 30, 1989, when a bull struck him after a set.

Fans of Frost and followers of the sport continue to mourn the unmatched legend of Frost, who became the P.R.C.A. World Champion Bull Rider at age 24. Several documentaries, articles, and pop culture pieces have honored Frost, notable among which are the Garth Brooks hit single ‘The Dance’ and the 1994 biopic “8 Seconds” starring Luke Perry. On October 12, we honor the enduring legacy of this once-in-a-lifetime sportsperson.

Career timeline

1974
His First Win

Lane Frost wins his first rodeo in Utah.

1980
Making a Mark

Frost competes in the National High School Rodeo and is declared a runner-up.

1982
Earning a National Reputation

Frost earns national acclaim and wins the Bull Riding Championship of the first Youth National Finals.

1987
The Year of World Championship

Frost is declared World Champion Bull Rider by P.R.C.A. at 24 years old.

1988
The Challenge of the Champions

Frost competes with rodeo legend John Growney in a seven-state competition, further cementing his position as the most acclaimed rider of his time.

Why We Love Lane Frost

  1. He broke many records

    Lane Frost’s sensational career started at the age of 10. When he was just 24 years old, Frost became the P.R.C.A. World Champion Bull Rider. A year before his death, he rode the Bucking Bull of the Year — a feat unachieved by all of his contemporaries. Following this spectacular feat, he participated in the only Olympic competition that featured bull riding.

  2. Frost took the sport to new heights

    While the Western world was engulfed in baseball and football, not much attention was paid to authentic American sports such as bull riding. Frost’s charisma and winning bouts changed the course of this predicament by bringing new fans into the fold and expanding the cultural impact of bull riding as a sport.

  3. Frost’s legacy lives on

    Frost is survived by his wife. His mother, a devout Christian, has distributed thousands of Bibles in his name. The Lane Frost Estate continues to engage with up-and-coming bull riders and sells merchandise to fans from all over the country.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He started the sport young

    Lane Frost won his first rodeo at the age of 10.

  2. It was more than luck

    Frost’s impeccable riding skills earned him the ‘Tough Luck’ title at the Super Bull competition.

  3. He was a winner against all odds

    Frost rode nine out of 10 bulls and decisively won the 1987 Bull Riding Championship.

  4. He competed in the 1988 Winter Olympics

    Frost rode in the first and only Olympic event for bull riding ever, winning a bronze medal.

  5. His most difficult ride was his last

    Frost completed the most challenging 91-point ride on the bull that ultimately killed him at the young age of 25.

Lane Frost FAQs

Is Lane Frost the best bull rider of all time?

With the bit of time he had, Lane Frost won many unwinnable races, turned the sport around, and is considered to be the best bull rider of all time.

Did Lane Frost have any kids?

Frost did not have any kids.

Did Lane Frost die on the field?

Frost succumbed to injuries in the 1989 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo when the iconic Takin’ Care of Business bull struck him after he finished the ride.

Lane Frost’s birthday dates

Year Date Day
2025 October 12 Sunday
2026 October 12 Monday
2027 October 12 Tuesday
2028 October 12 Thursday
2029 October 12 Friday