Do you spend a lot of time in the woods or building fires? Then you may have an interest in wood chopping as a competitive sport. Wood chopping requires extreme strength and accuracy to ensure you can handle an ax and chop the wood correctly.
With the rise of STIHL Timbersports across the world, many are wondering if there is a wood-chopping category in the Olympics.
In this article, I explain everything you need to know about wood chopping and the Olympics. I discuss if Wood Chopping is an Olympic sport or if it is still being ignored as a competitive sport that can be recognized around the world.
Let’s get into it!
Is Wood Chopping An Olympic Sport?
Unfortunately, Wood Chopping is not an Olympic sport. There are over 40 sports in the Summer and Winter Olympics with new sports being added over the years.
With sports such as Weight Lifting, Rowing, and Tug Of War being extremely popular sports, it is unknown as to why Wood Chopping has not been included in the categories for competing.
What Is Wood Chopping?
Woodchop, also known as woodchopping or wood chopping, is a sport that has been practiced for hundreds of years across many civilizations. Competitors try to be the first to saw or cut through a log or other block of wood in woodchopping events.
It frequently takes place during agricultural exhibits and state fairs. Participants are frequently referred to as “axemen,” particularly men.
History Of Wood Chopping
A wager between two axemen in Tasmania in the 1870s gave rise to the sport of wood cutting. Some documents also claim that the sport was invented in the Basque Country in the 16th century by a man who ran a marathon before chopping ten logs to propose to his future wife.
Numerous events were held on a regular wager basis between 1870 and 1890. Tasmanian H.R. Nicholas created the first axemen’s association and its regulations in June 1890. In 1891, Bell’s Parade in Latrobe, Tasmania, hosted the inaugural World Wood Chopping Championship.
Later, the wood-chopping competitions were staged in Australia, where the sport is still run today for 10 days alongside agricultural competitions. In Australia, where hundreds of athletes compete, it is a very well-attended event.
Today, Wood Chopping has become a sport which is practiced all around the world. Especially in the Western world in countries such as Scotland, America, and the Scandinavian countries.
Participants
Axemen are considered to be those who participate in wood cutting. To beat the other competitors in the competition, these axemen aim to cut the wooden log as quickly as they can. In order to achieve the winning title, they must act quickly and with skill.
Women are now becoming more interested in the male-dominated sport. With a separate division being created to establish female competitors and champions.
Wood Chopping Equipment
Contrary to popular belief there is more equipment required for Wood Chopping than a piece of wood and an ax.
A good ax is an essential piece of equipment for competitive wood chopping. A good quality ax generally weighs around seven pounds with the blade being around 8 inches long.
Other essential pieces of equipment are:
- Maul: This is a combination of a sledgehammer and an ax. It is used to cut through thicker pieces of wood due to its heavier weight and wider blade.
- Straight-edged Billhook: This is the perfect ax for splitting wood. It is often used by lumberjacks or regular people making wood for a fire.
- American Pattern Kindling Axe: This has a smaller blade which offers a lot more control and it is perfect for cutting through smaller pieces of wood without causing it to splinter and break.
Rules Of Wood Chopping
While the main objective of Wood Chopping is to cut through the wood the fastest, there are various rules that ax men have to follow.
- One of the biggest rules is set before the whistle even blows. Ax men are not allowed to begin using their saw before the match begins. Using your saw or ax before the beginning of the match will result in disqualification.
- Another rule is that participants must pin their axes. The ax should have at least 3 mm pin length and it should be sticking out of the head of the ax and handle at all times.
- And lastly, axemen are not allowed to touch any part of the scarf with their hands during any time of the match. This will lead to automatic disqualification.
Different Wood Chopping Competitions
While wood chopping is not an official Olympic sport, there are still plenty of official competitions where you can show off your incredible skills.
Lumberjack World Championships
The Lumberjack World Championships is held in Hayward, Wisconsin. It is an international competition that works to show off the best sawing, speed climbing, log rolling, boom-running, chopping, and so much more.
The Lumberjack Bowl serves as the venue for the 1960-starting event. Men and women can compete in 21 events for a total of more than $50,000 in prizes. Participants are from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the United States.
With over 100 competitors entering each year there is a range of women, men, and team events.!
STIHL Timbersports World Championships
STIHL Timbersports World Championships takes place in Prague, Czech Republic. This is one of the biggest competitions to include wood chopping in the world. With 6 disciplines, competitors can show off their skills to the entire world.
Competitors must complete a training camp in Sweden before they can begin to compete which can come at a hefty price.
Easter Woodchop
Easter Woodchop has been a thriving competition in Sydney, Australia for over 100 years.
Standing block competitions were first witnessed by almost 8,000 spectators on the final day of the Show in 1899, and they have since been a constant audience favorite.
This is one of the longest running Wood Chopping competitions and holds the most respect when it comes to winning the title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do WoodChoppers Start At Different Times?
The game has limitations. There are occasions when all axemen begin on the same mark. (the count of 3). This so-called championship competition reveals who the genuine greatest of the best is.
Where Did Wood Chopping Begin?
Wood chopping is believed to have begun in Tasmania in 1870. It has grown to become a global sport with various competitions.
Is Wood Chopping A Good Exercise?
Yes, wood chopping is a great exercise for building muscle in the back, shoulders, arms, and core. You are utilizing every muscle in the upper body for swinging the ax making it great for improving health.
Ensure to have the correct form and technique to prevent injury.
Final Thoughts
So, is wood chopping in the Olympics? No. Wood Chopping has never been an official sport in the Olympic games.
However, there are various competitions that do recognize Wood Chopping as an extreme sport. Almost all competitions have men, women, and team divisions making it excellent for anyone to compete. From America to Australia, you can find a Wood Chopping competition to attend or compete!
Show off your strength and swing your ax. You never know what you might win.