With more than 300 entries vying for a spot in the finals, Brylie Olsen rose to the top of a stacked field to win the 15 & Under Breakaway Roping Semifinals at the 2026 Patriot in Fort Worth.
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The 14-year-old Utah cowgirl turned in a sharp 4.96 seconds on two head to earn $3,000 and advance to the finals.
Olsen’s performance came in a high-pressure format that featured 323 entries in the 15 & Under semifinals alone, showcasing just how competitive breakaway roping has become on the national stage.
“I’m very excited,” Olsen said about advancing to the finals. “There are big opportunities here at the Patriot.”
Mounted on her standout horse, Hanchey, Olsen delivered two fast runs in the semifinals. She stopped the clock in 2.76 seconds on her first calf, despite a moment of uncertainty as she nodded.
“I was a little bit late, and I thought I missed,” Olsen said. “But luckily, I caught in the money loop. Hanchey ran in there really good. He’s just the best boy he can be.”
With the top 50 ropers advancing to the second round, Olsen returned with confidence and roped her next calf in 2.20 seconds, sealing the semifinal win.
“It was a lot of fun,” Olsen said. “I kind of thought I broke the barrier because I was so close to the calf, but it worked out.”
Olsen credits much of her Patriot success to mentors and family support.
“Clint Robinson and Braylee Shepherd have helped me a lot along the way, and my family has supported me to get here,” Olsen said. “I’m very grateful.”
Hanchey has also played a major role in her success. The horse has previously carried Olsen’s sister to major wins and continues to prove dependable under pressure.
“He’s brought both of us to the best we can be,” Olsen said. “I couldn’t do what I do without him.”
Beyond the competition itself, Olsen values the atmosphere the Patriot creates for young athletes from across the country.
“Everyone’s just like a big family,” Olsen said. “It’s exciting to meet new friends and compete with people from everywhere.”
Now heading into the finals with momentum, Olsen will look to build on her semifinal victory as she continues chasing even bigger opportunities on one of youth rodeo’s largest stages.
