Chadds Ford’s Martha King took first place in the first-ever international STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Women’s event – the International Women’s Cup. King came out on top against eight other lumberjills, including the heavy favorite Australian Amanda Beams.
The competition, held in Vienna, Austria, Friday morning, EDT, included three events: the stock saw, using a standard chain saw to cut discs, or cookies, as they’re referred to in the sport; single buck, using a long saw; and the underhand chop in which the competitor stands on a horizontal log and splits the log by chopping down between the feet.
During an online interview, King said winning felt wonderful, though there was stress leading up to the day.
“I only entered the competition a week ago while coaching a training camp in the Netherlands. I had to have my gear flown over. My saws only arrived yesterday, so it was very stressful,” she said.
While she didn’t have the preparation she would have otherwise preferred, King said she just trusted her foundation, something she’s developed during the past nine years of timber sports competition.
King finished the day with a total of 23 out of 27 points. Beams finished with 22. The two were tied after the stock saw and single buck events, and Beams seemed to have a slight lead in the underhand, but King came on strong and topped the Australian.
She finished the stock saw in fifth place, saying she likely pushed the saw too hard but then came in second in the single buck. Only three of the nine women were able to split the logs during the underhand, which set up the final heat between King and Beams.
The world champion returns home to Chadds Ford this Sunday.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
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