Steer wrestler reigns, despite diabetes - Recovery from injury makes Branquinho's championship even more inspirational to diabetics and their families

While some sports have tried to put aside their stars’ drug use, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association media guide notes that steer wrestler Luke Branquinho is a Type I diabetic who uses an insulin pump. Branquinho has been an inspiration to diabetics and their families, and his most recent PRCA world championship was perhaps the most inspirational of his five career world titles.

Branquinho underwent surgery in late July and was out of competition until late November. The 15 steer wrestlers with the highest earnings at the end of the regular season which ends Sept. 30 qualify for the Nat...