Three women’s world records were set at the Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward, Wisconsin, which concluded Saturday, July 18, 2026. Competitors from 16 states and nine countries gathered for the three-day event, showcasing advancements in timber sports as women’s participation continues to expand across more than 20 distinct disciplines.
Record-Breaking Performances in Hayward
The competition saw elite athletes push the boundaries of traditional timber sports. Karolina Urbanová, representing the Czech Republic, claimed two new world records during the event. According to AP News, Urbanová finished the Women’s Underhand Chop by cutting through 11 inches of white pine in 21.28 seconds. She secured a second world record in the Women’s Standing Chop, slicing through a 9-inch white pine log in 19.38 seconds.
Meredith Ingbretson, a local competitor from Hayward, also etched her name into the record books. She set a world record in the Women’s Boom Run, navigating across eight red cedar logs floating on the water and back in 13.78 seconds, as reported by AP News.
Growth of Women’s Timber Sports
While the Lumberjack World Championships trace their tradition back to the 1890s, women have been competing since the inaugural event in 1960. Organizers noted that the scope of women’s participation has evolved significantly over the decades. Initially limited to logrolling, women now compete in more than 20 timber sports events.
Nancy Zalewski, who has been a competitor for 27 years, highlighted the changing environment. When I started chopping I was chopping with the men,
Zalewski said.
Overall Championship Results
Beyond the record-setting performances, the championships crowned overall winners across the men’s and women’s divisions.
High-Stakes Preparation
The intensity of the competition is reflected in the specialized gear athletes bring to Hayward. Competitors utilize custom-built chain saws and axes that require precise sharpening. According to AP News, single buck saws used in the competition can cost upward of $400 just to sharpen, illustrating the technical investment required to compete at the world-record level.
The 2026 event drew 66 men and 40 women, highlighting the continued international interest in the sport.
