Jack Jordan, New Zealand's premier axeman, has secured his third consecutive STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Trophy title, shattering his own world record in the process.
Competing in Milan, Italy, Jordan outperformed a formidable field of 16 elite competitors to clinch the title, setting a new world record time of 52.53 seconds.
The STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® World Trophy often likened to the fast-paced 20/20 cricket format, tests competitors' agility, endurance, and skill across four gruelling wood-chopping disciplines. The event's knockout stages culminate in a high-octane final that leaves no room for error.
Jordan's path to victory was fraught with challenges, particularly in the semi-final against Australia's Brad De Losa. In a nail-biting finish, Jordan edged out De Losa by a mere 0.32 seconds, securing his place in the final with a time of 57.65 seconds. The final saw Jordan face off against Czech competitor Matyas Klima. Despite the high stakes, Jordan established a lead during the second discipline, the underhand chop, and maintained it to the finish, ultimately setting a new world record.
Reflecting on his achievement, Jordan attributed his success to rigorous training and natural fitness honed through his demanding work as a farmer.
"It's a short sharp endurance test alright! All the training that I do at home I feel like that's the secret. I truly believe that when you're in an event like this, you win it in your backyard at home. It's pretty awesome to knock this one off three times in a row for sure," said Jordan.
Jordan's athletic prowess extends beyond wood chopping; he is also a former top-level rugby player for the Taranaki Bulls. He balances his sports career with managing his family's sheep and beef farm in Kirikau, near Taumarunui. His daily farm work on challenging terrain complements his intensive training regimen, contributing to his dominance in the sport.
In addition to Jordan's triumph, fellow New Zealander Cleveland Cherry made his mark in the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Rookies World Trophy competition. Cherry, hailing from Tokoroa, achieved a commendable third place in the under-21 category, improving on his previous fourth-place finish from 2022.
"It's great to get on the podium and have a little bit of hardware to show for all the hard work that goes into getting here. I'm pretty stoked," Cherry remarked.
Jordan's back-to-back-to-back victory not only solidifies his status as a world-class axeman but also highlights the depth of talent in New Zealand's wood-chopping scene. As he continues to push the boundaries of the sport, fans and competitors alike will be eager to see what records he sets next.
