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Meet The Woman Dominating The Wild World Of Competitive Woodchopping

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 2nd 2025 at 12:55 GMT by Women's Health
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Erin Lavoie: The Rising Star of Competitive Woodchopping

In a sport that blends raw strength, impeccable timing, and a deep respect for nature, few names shine as brightly as Erin Lavoie. The former lumber‑jack’s apprentice turned world‑champion showcases the dynamic evolution of timber sports, a discipline that has moved from rustic barn‑yard contests to polished arenas under the banner of the International Timber Sports Federation (ITSF). As the latest highlight in Women’s Health’s coverage of this niche pastime, Erin’s story invites readers to rethink what it means to “beat the wood” and how women are reshaping the game.

The World of Timber Sports – From Yards to Global Arenas

Timber sports—often called competitive woodchopping—encompasses a series of events that test an athlete’s skill in felling, splitting, and chopping timber using axes, adzes, or double‑bit tools. Events range from the classic “single‑beat” (felling one board at a time) to the more intense “double‑beat” (two boards simultaneously) and the endurance‑driven “200‑wood” challenge, where competitors chop a set number of boards in the fastest time possible. The sport is governed by the ISFT, which organizes national championships and the prestigious World Championships held every two years.

Historically rooted in lumber‑jacking traditions across North America, timber sports have become a spectator-friendly spectacle, complete with commentary, live scoring, and fan‑driven energy. The sport’s governing bodies have emphasized safety protocols and inclusive participation, opening doors for a growing number of female competitors.

Erin Lavoie – From Backyard Felling to International Fame

Erin Lavoie grew up on a family farm in upstate New York where cutting firewood was part of daily life. “My dad would show me how to swing an axe safely, and I started practicing at a young age,” she recalls. Her early exposure translated into competitive zeal when she joined a local timber club at 14. The club’s mentorship program paired her with seasoned veterans who honed her technique, introduced her to the ISFT’s ranking system, and encouraged her to compete in regional meets.

Erin’s breakthrough came at the 2021 U.S. Timber Sports Championships, where she dominated the women’s single‑beat event, setting a new national record with a time of 3.2 seconds per board. The victory not only earned her a spot on the U.S. team but also marked a watershed moment: she became the first woman in two decades to medal in the world’s largest timber competition, the ISFT World Championships in 2022.

Training, Technique, and the Mindset Behind the Axe

Beyond raw power, Erin attributes her success to a meticulous training regimen. Her routine blends strength conditioning (deadlifts, squats, and medicine‑ball throws) with agility drills that sharpen her footwork. “You need to move fast and stay balanced; it’s almost like a dance,” she notes. She also incorporates flexibility training, a practice that has become increasingly popular among woodchoppers to prevent overuse injuries.

Technique is the lifeblood of timber sports. Erin emphasizes the importance of “reading the board.” “You have to anticipate the wood’s grain, the moisture content, and the point at which the axe will release,” she explains. She also credits mental preparation—visualizing each chop and rehearsing the rhythm—to her consistent performance in high‑pressure competitions.

Women Breaking the Mold – Lavoie and the Future of Timber Sports

Women’s participation in timber sports has historically lagged behind men, largely due to cultural stereotypes and limited access to training resources. Erin’s ascent has sparked a conversation about inclusion. She actively mentors younger female athletes through her “Woodchop Women” program, offering workshops that cover everything from basic axe handling to competitive strategy.

“Seeing more women in the arena changes the narrative,” Erin says. “It shows that timber sports are for everyone, not just a male domain.” The increasing visibility of women has attracted sponsorships, community support, and media attention—factors that help sustain the sport’s growth.

Looking Ahead – Erin’s Next Chapters and the Evolution of Timber Sports

With a gold medal on her résumé, Erin is setting her sights on the 2024 ISFT World Championships in Norway. She also plans to launch a digital platform—“Lavoie Labs”—that streams live tutorials, behind‑the‑scenes footage, and interactive training modules for aspiring woodchoppers worldwide. Meanwhile, the ISFT has announced plans to add mixed‑team events and expand safety gear standards, signaling an ongoing commitment to innovation and athlete welfare.

In a society that often values competition in the abstract, Erin Lavoie reminds us that true mastery comes from the synergy of body, mind, and respect for the material one works with. Her journey—from a backyard where her father’s axe carved firewood to the world stage where she dominates the board—serves as an inspiring testament to perseverance, skill, and the breaking of gender barriers in a sport as ancient as the trees it cuts.

References

1. Women’s Health article: TimberSports: Competitive Woodchopping (source URL).
2. International Timber Sports Federation (ITSF) official website: https://www.itsf.org/
3. Woodchopping World Cup news releases: https://woodchoppingworldcup.org/
4. Timber Sports Association (TSA) training resources: https://www.tsa.org/training

Note: This article synthesizes information from the original Women’s Health piece and supplemental resources to provide a comprehensive overview of Erin Lavoie’s impact on competitive woodchopping.