Sport
22 March, 2024
Chips go flying as saws and axes hack into timber blocks
AUSTRALIAN trophy Stihl timbersports title holder Brad De Losa chopped his way through the competition, claiming his second consecutive trophy in Cairns last Saturday night.
Now a two-time Australian trophy winner, De Losa battled it out against 15 of the sport’s best athletes in the original extreme sport.
De Losa said he had great respect for the competition, and that it was great to have such a head-to-head experience.
“To beat the quality of the field, with guys like Laurence (O’Toole) and Brayden (Meyer), it’s amazing to compete against the world’s best here,” he said.
“Last year’s defeat had burnt in me for the past 12 months, it’s amazing to come out on top this year.” De Losa also said that Cairns was an fantastic venue.
“Cairns has been amazing,” he said.
“Competing indoors for the first time in Australia really gave us a world championship atmosphere.
“A big thanks to all the crowd and Stihl for putting this together.”
Claiming the event’s women’s title with a single point, Madison Kirley defeated some of the sport’s best female athletes, including last year’s winner Jodie Beutel.
Kirley said that her hard work had finally paid off.
“This is what I have been working towards ever since the women’s championship was launched,” she said.
“I’m so proud to have my name added to the trophy.”
“I have to thank my partner David, my family, and the Reumer family for all their support to help me get here today, and of course Stihl for putting on this amazing event for us.”
“I can’t wait to get home and share the win with my kids.”
Event director Renee Kitto said the event was a huge success in Cairns, making the event’s first-ever occurrence in Cairns, as well as an indoor venue, a memorable one.
“It was great to bring the high octane action of timbersports back to Queensland,” she said.
“This was our first indoor event in Australia and first time in Cairns, with both being a major success.
“Our athletes are examples of brute strength, determination and athleticism.
“It was incredible to watch Brad and Maddison give their all to take out the top spot for their competitions.”
