A 12-year-old athlete dominates a game ruled by adults. Brady Fox has been playing horseshoes for three years and has already won two Missouri state titles, in his age group, and placed third in worlds. Due to an overall lack of kids playing horseshoes competitively, Brady often competes and wins in the adult divisions. While this makes some competitors mad, others understand and respect his talent. While learning to play against adults he has learned to act like one. “He’s been around adults more than kids this past year, I think that brings out his maturity,” His mom, Angie Sparks said.
Brady Fox, 12, enjoys the company of his cellphone prior to his Thursday night horseshoe league. Fox recently learned of an extra bone in his right foot that requires a walking boot. “My dad was messing with me saying they were going to put me in a boot and they actually did,” he said while shaking his head, “thankfully the doctor said I can take the boot off to play horseshoes.”
At only 12 years old Brady has amassed a large collection of trophies and plaques from various sports, the most numerous being horseshoes. This is a third place trophy from the 2019 NHPA World Horseshoe Tournament.
Brady Fox patiently awaits his next opponent during his Thursday night horseshoe league after quickly beating his first opponent 30-0. He often pitches against adults because there aren’t enough local kids to compete against. “They don’t let me play with the kids in most tournaments but I can usually beat the adults anyway,” he said with a grin.
Brady Fox pitches a ringer during his Thursday night horseshoe league. A ringer is a thrown horseshoe that completely surrounds the stake; Brady currently has a ringer percentage in the low 70s. Brady was ranked number one in the nation earlier this summer but has fallen to number three in the cadet division.
Brady takes a few minutes to enjoy the playground during a family party at a park in Mexico, Mo. “It’s hard for him to relate to kids at school because he spends a lot of time with adults and does things they don’t do,” his mom, Angie Sparks said.
Brady pitches a horseshoe during a family party at a park in Mexico, Mo. Brady spent a majority of his time teaching his younger cousin how to pitch in hopes that he sticks with the game. “They think its cool but they never come out and play,” he said in regards to kids his age playing horseshoes.
TWO OUTTAKES:
