New World Records Set at Lumberjack World Championships

The Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward, Wisconsin, recently saw three new women’s world records set. Held over three days, the event drew 66 men and 40 women from 16 states and nine countries, ending on a high note with enthusiastic displays of skills such as sawing, chopping, and log-rolling.

This year’s competition saw Karolina Urbanová from the Czech Republic make headlines by setting records in two events. She secured first place in the Women’s Underhand Chop by cutting through 11 inches (27.9 centimeters) of white pine in 21.28 seconds. Additionally, she claimed victory in the Women’s Standing Chop, slicing through 9 inches (22.8 centimeters) of white pine in 19.38 seconds.

Meredith Ingbretson, a local from Hayward, also made her mark by setting a record in the Women’s Boom Run. Ingbretson impressively sprinted across and back over eight red cedar logs on water in just 13.78 seconds.

Since the first event in 1960, women’s participation has grown substantially. Initially competing only in log-rolling, women now engage in more than 20 timber sports events. Veteran competitor Nancy Zalewski, who has been part of the competition for 27 years, shared her experiences of training with men and coaching others, including Kate Witkowski.

The competition, steeped in history, takes place at the Lumberjack Bowl by Lake Hayward, a former holding pond for logging activities on the Namekagon River. The theme captivates attendees with children dressed in lumberjack attire and vendors offering themed merchandise like blow-up axes and toy chain saws. The surroundings also feature wood-carving demonstrations, log-rolling practice sessions for kids, live music, and axe-themed events.

According to competitor Kate Witkowski, the camaraderie among competitors is unique. “The culture of it I think is really wonderful,” she said. She emphasized the supportive nature of this niche sport, where athletes, faced with gear challenges, assist each other to improve.