Sport
11 March, 2024
Chips flying off old block
AUSTRALIA’S top professional Stihl Timbersports athletes will make their way to Cairns for the first time on Saturday, March 16 to compete in the 2024 Australian Trophy and Australian Women’s Championship at the Cairns Convention Centre.
Three-time Australian trophy winner and reigning champion Laurence O’Toole will defend his title against 15 of Australia’s athletes, with his biggest competition expected to come from the 2022 winner Brad De Losa and 2021 champion Mitch Argent who are ready to take back the crown.
“2023 was a great year for me as an athlete, including winning the Australian Trophy and coming second in the Australian Pro Championship,” Mr O’Toole said.
“Coming into the 2024 Stihl Timbersports season I am looking to take home the win again, but competition will be fierce this year. I would love the chance to represent Australia again at the 2024 World Trophy.”
2023 Australian women’s champion Jodie Beutel will be looking to defend her title on home turf.
But competition will be hot on her heels, including last year’s runner up Amanda Beams and third place finisher Katrina Head. Both athletes will be looking to take that number one spot on the podium this year.
“It’s an amazing feeling heading into this year’s competition with the 2023 championship under my belt, and competing in Queensland will hopefully give me a home ground advantage,” Ms Beutel said. “But I’m not leaving anything to chance, I’ll bring my all this 2024 Stihl Timbersports season season, I’ve been training hard and hope to defend the championship.”
Event director Renee Kitto said she was thrilled to see the competition on a new stage.
“Exciting for us. This is the first time Stihl Timbersports season has been held in an indoor arena in Australia,” she said.
“Our athletes are excited to visit Far North Queensland and for the opportunity to compete in an amazing indoor venue.
“Tickets to the event are free, so we hope to see many Cairns locals come join us for an axe-tion packed day.
“We are looking forward to bringing this year’s competition back to Queensland, and know our top male and female athletes will bring their all to showcase their brute strength, determination and agility in what will be an exhilarating competition.”
The trophy format is the sport’s most physically demanding competition. Athletes are required to chop and saw four logs in four different disciplines back-to-back in gruelling knockout matchups, the top athletes aiming to do so in under 60 seconds.
The event includes the Australian women’s championship where the top six female athletes will battle it out in three round competitions consisting of underhand chop, Stihl stock saw, and the single buck disciplines all to be crowned the 2024 women’s champion in this original extreme sport.
For more information visit www.stihl.com.au/timbersports
