ABILENE, Texas — As we prepared to ask 18-time breakaway roping world champion J.J. Hampton our first question, her phone rang.
The opening riff of "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC briefly interrupted the conversation. The Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Famer apologized and the interview continued.
Hampton will compete in the American Contender Tournament Finals Saturday in Abilene. If she finishes in the top five out of 15 competitors, she will advance to the American Rodeo at Globe Life Field in Arlington, where she would have a chance to win $1 million.
The purple hat-wearing breakaway roper's ringtone choice is consistent with her will to win. After years of racking up numerous accolades, she has no plans to walk away from the sport.
"Man, I just have a drive to compete in front of a crowd," Hampton said. "I love to compete. I love the rodeo. I have for my whole life, and it keeps me driven. While I have the ability to compete with these young athletes that I have to rope against, I'm gonna keep doing it."
Hampton had her knee replaced last year. The injury developed from years of wear and tear, she said.
Despite having to recover, the star breakaway roper is just a step away from one of the largest rodeos in the country. While the crowd in Abilene will be significantly smaller, Hampton said she enjoys interacting with fans no matter how many people are in attendance.
"Anytime there's a crowd at any rodeo, I try to wave at them and include them," she said. "And I have a lot of fans because I do that. I love the crowd, I love the kids in the stands, I love the parents. And they seem to react when you do good or you include them in the rodeo."
Saturday's event begins at 7 p.m. Five competitors from each of the three regions in the contender tournament will work to finish in the top five.
The American Rodeo will take place Mar. 8 and 9 in Arlington.