Chomistek named Miss Rodeo Canada
Hatter Brittney Chomistek made history on Saturday when she won the Miss Rodeo Canada competition in Edmonton.
Her mother Shelley was crowned Miss Rodeo Canada in 1986, making them the first mother-daughter duo to have each held the title.
“I’m just soaking it all in right now,” Brittney told the News from Edmonton.
“The girls I competed with, they will be some lifelong friends.”
Brittney was in the midst of signing autographs when she spoke with the News, which she described as “pretty cool” and “surreal,” although it’s not her first time signing autographs.
“It’s been a little bit different, because usually I’d write ‘Brittney Chomistek, Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Queen,’ but now I write ‘Brittney Chomistek, 2018 Miss Rodeo Canada,’ so it’s kind of been a switch,” she said.
“Sometimes I catch myself and go, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m actually signing this as a Miss Rodeo Canada.’
“I’m part of this great organization representing our sport of rodeo and Canada, and everything that goes along with it.”
Although she would have been happy for her regardless of the outcome, Shelley was pleased to see her daughter follow in her footsteps.
“My mom gave me the biggest hug after,” said Brittney. “She said she was so proud of me, but she would’ve been proud of how my week was, whether I had the title coming out of that arena or not.”
“She was so supportive throughout everything and I’m so lucky to have her by my side throughout this journey.”
Brittney plans to return to Medicine Hat College, where she was a part-time student because of her rodeo commitments, to finish her education degree full time next year.
“When I hand over my title to the new Miss Rodeo Canada, I will finish up my degree in the Bachelors of Education program at Medicine Hat College,” she said, adding that she wants to teach Grade 1 or 2.
“Hopefully I’ll get a job in Medicine Hat.”