FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

July 18, 2026 (Hayward, WI) – The historic Lumberjack Bowl on the shores of Lake Hayward once again hosted the ‘Olympics of the Northwoods’ this past weekend as more than 100 elite competitors from nine countries and 16 states came together for the 66th annual Lumberjack World Championships (LWC).  

Over three days, nearly 8,000 spectators marveled as these timber sports athletes displaying their mastery across numerous lumberjack events—sawing, chopping, speed climbing, log rolling, boom running, and axe throwing—vying for over $75,000 in prize money. 

Three new women’s world records were set at this year’s competition: 

• Karolina Urbanová from the Czech Republic set a new world record, earning first place in the Women’s Underhand Chop cutting through 11” of white pine in 21.28 seconds.  

• In the Women’s Standing Chop, Karolina Urbanová once again earned first place, setting a new world record cutting through 9” of white pine in 19.38 seconds. 

• Hayward, Wisconsin’s own Meredith Ingbretson set a new world record in the Women’s Boom Run, sprinting across the water and back over eight red cedar logs in 13.78 seconds. 

The top two winners, who’s combined total scores across various disciplines, earned them the all-around championships. 

• Men’s All-Around Champion: Australian Brayden Meyer earned the world championship titles in the Men’s Standing Chop, Springboard Chop, Men’s Single Buck, and Men’s Underhand Chop in his first Lumberjack World Championship appearance.  

• Women’s All-Around Champion:  Stephanie Naud (Sutton QC | CAN) took home her second individual all-round championship, taking first place in the Jack and Jill Cross-Saw, second place in both the Jill and Jill Cross-Saw and the Women’s Underhand Chop, and fourth place in both the Women’s Standing Chop and Women’s Single Buck.  In 2022, Stephanie Naud tied with all-around champion Erin Lavoie. 

Every year, the LWC welcomes athletes from around the world. “I’m really happy to be here,” said Vebjørn Bleka Sønsteby, a decorated timber sports athlete from Norway . “Fantastic arena and atmosphere.  I’m really enjoying it.” This was Norway’s first year represented in Hayward.  

“This is like the pinnacle week of the year,” said veteran competitor Shana Verstegen from Madison, Wisconsin. “Since I was a little kid, I think about it almost every day, dream about it, and then you walk into this bowl, and it’s like this feeling of nostalgia, of anxiety, of excitement, of friendship, and I truly believe everybody in the world needs to experience a lumberjack world championship’s weekend.”  

A Full list of results can be found at: https://lwc.pttiming.com 

About the Lumberjack World Championships 
Founded in 1960, the annual event in Hayward, Wisconsin, celebrates the legacy of timber sports, combining heritage and athleticism. Over 21 events test competitors’ strength, agility and precision, offering cash prizes and global recognition (Wikipedia) 

For additional details and comment contact the LWC Event Director Samantha LaSalle at 715-699-0712 

Media for use with this press releases can be found at  https://lumberjackworldchampionships.com/media/news/ 

Please credit “Photo Courtesy of Lumberjack World Championships”  

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