Three Women Set World Records at Lumberjack Championships

Three new women's world records were established at the Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward, Wisconsin, concluding on Saturday. The three-day competition featured 66 men and 40 women from 16 states and nine countries, participating in events such as high-powered sawing, chopping, logrolling, and speed climbing. Competitors utilize specialized equipment, including custom-built chain saws and sharpened axes, with single buck saws costing upwards of $400 for sharpening.

Karolina Urbanová of the Czech Republic achieved two world records. She secured first place in the Women's Underhand Chop, completing the task in 21.28 seconds by cutting through 11 inches of white pine. Urbanová also won the Women's Standing Chop, cutting through 9 inches of white pine in 19.38 seconds. Meredith Ingbretson from Hayward set a new world record in the Women's Boom Run, navigating across eight red cedar logs and back in 13.78 seconds.

While women have been participants since the competition's inception in 1960, the range of events available to them has significantly expanded. Initially, women only competed in logrolling, but they now engage in over 20 timber sports events. Nancy Zalewski, a competitor for 27 years, noted that she began chopping alongside male competitors and has since trained other participants, including Kate Witkowski.

The tradition of lumberjack competitions dates back to the 1890s. The event takes place in the Lumberjack Bowl, situated on the shores of Lake Hayward, an area historically used as a holding pond for log drives. The lumberjack theme is prevalent throughout the event, with attendees, including children, dressed in themed attire, and brands distributing promotional items like inflatable axes and toy chain saws. Additional attractions outside the main competition include wood-carving demonstrations, logrolling practice for children, live music, food trucks, and axe-themed activities.