Women Set Three New World Records at the 2026 Lumberjack World Championships

At the Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward, Wisconsin, three women established new world records on July 18, 2026. Karolina Urbanová of the Czech Republic topped the Women’s Underhand Chop, felling 11 in. (27.9 cm) of white pine in 21.28 seconds, and also won the Women’s Standing Chop, cutting 9 in. (22.8 cm) of white pine in 19.38 seconds. Meredith Ingbretson, a Hayward native, set the Women’s Boom Run record by sprinting across eight red-cedar logs and back in 13.78 seconds. The three-day event featured 66 men and 40 women representing 16 U.S. states and nine countries.

Associated Press3 women's world records set at the annual Lumberjack World Championships in Wisconsin

Women have competed at the championships since the inaugural meet in 1960, when participation was limited to log-rolling. Organizers note that women now contest more than 20 timber-sport disciplines, reflecting a broad expansion of opportunities over the past six decades. The competition traces its roots to the 1890s, when lumberjack contests first emerged in the region.

3 women's world records set at the annual Lumberjack World Championships in Wisconsin

• Karolina Urbanová (Czech Republic) – dual-event record holder.

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• Meredith Ingbretson (Hayward, Wis.) – Boom Run record holder.

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• Nancy Zalewski – 27-year veteran competitor who has trained newcomers, including Kate Witkowski.

3 women's world records set at the annual Lumberjack World Championships in Wisconsin

• Kate Witkowski – active participant and advocate of the sport’s supportive culture.

3 women's world records set at the annual Lumberjack World Championships in Wisconsin

The event transforms the Lumberjack Bowl on Lake Hayward into a festival of timber heritage. Spectators see children in lumberjack-themed socks, flannels and suspenders, while vendors distribute inflatable axes and toy chainsaws. Outside the arena, wood-carving demonstrations, log-rolling practice for kids, live music, and food trucks create a family-friendly environment that underscores the sport’s community spirit.

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• “When I started chopping I was chopping with the men,” — Nancy Zalewski, Competitor (27 years)

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• “The culture of it I think is really wonderful,” — Kate Witkowski, Competitor

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• “I don’t know any other sports where the athletes support each other like we do here because it’s such a niche sport and because the gear is so hard to come by that we’re all just trying to get better.” — Kate Witkowski, Competitor

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