An Australian bull rider has regained consciousness after being trampled by a bull at a rodeo in the United States on Thursday.
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Bradie Gray, 20, from Hallsville near Tamworth, NSW, is "alive and improving daily" after undergoing surgery at a hospital in Casper, Wyoming, according to a Go Fund Me page set up to help fund his recovery.
The young rider, a junior at Odessa College in Texas, was bucked off by a bull named Levi the Boss at the College National Finals Rodeo in Wyoming on Thursday.
In a post to The Odessa College Rodeo Team Facebook page, Mr Gray's father Mick said that his son's condition was improving.
"He woke when we were in there, he tried to talk but couldn't with the ventilator in," he said.
"[He] wiggled his fingers and toes, he even wanted to write something down on a piece of paper but was too weak."
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Mr Gray was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries following the accident and according to a coach at Odessa College, arrived without a heartbeat.
"A bull stepped on his chest that broke his ribs in many places, collapsed his lungs, and had serious internal bleeding," Odessa College coach C.J. Aragon said on the fundraising page.
"He had no heartbeat when he got to the hospital."
Mr Gray's parents Mick and Sharon will stay in Casper while he receives medical treatment.
"Bradie is currently in the ICU and he and his family are up against some serious challenges over the next several weeks with living and medical expenses," C.J. Aragon said.
"Any donations will help with expenses while Bradie recovers before returning home to Australia."
More than $8500 had been raised by Sunday evening.
He has been riding bulls since he was five and entered the College National Finals Rodeo as the 152nd-ranked rider in the world.
Mr Gray’s father thanked the public for their pryares and messages of support for the family.
“The support that we have received has been truly amazing, there are too many to thank individually,” he said. “I want everyone to know how much we appreciate it.”
AAP with William McInnes