William Hoyle is an axe-wielding champion.
The Moira Shire local has come home from the Sydney show having won two competitions and multiple placings in the finals and semi-final competitions of the wood chopping events.
Talking to the Courier, Mr Hoyle said he was ecstatic about his win.
“Pretty impressed with myself,” he said.
Mr Hoyle competed in the handicap competitions and his two wins came in the underhand events which he explained was the event in which competitor stands on the log itself and then swings the axe between their legs.
For Mr Hoyle, the whole thing is second nature as his father was active in the sports.
“I’ve been around it my entire life. Been travelling around the countryside since I could walk and interstate as well,” he said.
Mr Hoyle’s first competition was in 2012 at the Shepparton Agricultural Show.
Asked by the Courier how he prepares for the competition, Mr Hoyle said he didn’t go to the gym at all with his work in the wholesale wood industry but practising at home ensured he was ready for competition.
As for the axe, each axe used is custom-built and Mr Hoyle said he ordered his online and that they could range from $600 to $900.
Mr Hoyle said that contrary to popular opinion size and brute strength were not necessarily key to winning.
“Its not always about size, it’s about technique and willpower,” he said.
Mr Hoyle’s next competition will be in June at the Alexandra Truck Ute & Rod Show.
As for anyone thinking about taking up wood chopping as a sport, Mr Hoyle said to contact him on 0403 560 837.