High flyer…LS Michael Floyd at work in the HMAS CERBERUS medical centre.

Leading seaman medic Michael Floyd has a hobby which is not only unusual it made him a real high flyer.
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Michael, 34, a medic in the casualty ward in the HMAS CERBERUS medical centre, rides bucking bulls in rodeos.

In his most recent tilt a 1400-kilogram "youngster" called Viking threw him "25 feet" into the air and carried him "30 feet" across the ring.

It happened after the bull pushed a horn into Michael's chest breaking a rib.

The incident, at the Cranbourne Rodeo last month.

Michael comes from Launceston and has been in the RAN for six years

"About seven years ago while attending an AGFEST near home a friend put my name down to attend a bull riding school," Michael explained.

"I knew nothing of the application until the school phoned me to attend. I went because I have always wanted to ride bulls in a rodeo.

"Over the next few years I rode bulls at some of the small rodeos.
"When I went to sea in HMAS SYDNEY I didn't get many opportunities to ride. I have posted off SYDNEY and now work in the casualty ward at CERBERUS.

"I drew Viking, a four-year-old Brahma weighing about 1400 kilograms. He is still growing.

"I made an extra loop around my hand and we came o0ut of the chute. He backed me off the wrong side and before I was clear of the rope he put a horn into my chest breaking a rib.

"He came at me while I was on the ground and this time picked me up and sent me 25 feet into the air. He carried me 30 feet across the arena.

"I hit the ground and it took the wind out of me. I wasn't walking too well.

"He still wanted to get me but the clowns came in and distracted his attention.

"Others dragged me back into a chute and safety," Michael said.

Recovering from the rib injury and bruised legs Michael is back on the job at CERBERUS.

As for Viking he is now attracting a $2000 prize for the first cowboy to successfully stay on him

By Graham Davis