Maarika Lepik has become the women's world champion in double-bit axe throwing. The competition took place during the world championships held in Bollnäs, Sweden, where Lepik secured the title with a 12:11 score.
Lepik improves upon her previous championship performances. Four years ago, she achieved a fourth-place finish, and two years ago, she finished as the first person outside the cut for the final.
The three-day championships in Sweden saw 145 competitors from 12 countries participate. The athletes represented Estonia, Sweden, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Switzerland.
Estonian results and junior titles
In the junior category, Otto Peet won the gold medal for Estonia after defeating his opponent 8-0 in the final throws.
Other Estonian competitors included Emma Liisa Toikka, who finished fourth after recording the second-best semifinal result, and Sirje Leini, who finished 10th with 40 points.
In the women's division, Karol Raidma, the silver medalist from the previous event, tied for 14th-16th place in the semifinals with 37 points.
In the men's competition, Kristiar Papstel tied for 28th-29th place, while Roland Peet finished 30th.
Maarika Lepik's semifinal score
The sport and future hosting
Double-bit axe throwing is a precision target sport originating from North American logging camp history. Competitors throw a double-edged axe with both hands above the head, performing a single rotation in the air to score under regulated distance and weight rules.
Lepik, using an axe made by blacksmith Meelis Pällo, noted that the sport is not dangerous and injuries are not common.
Marek Peet, a driving force for the sport in Estonia, said there is a chance Estonia will be awarded the right to host the 2029 World Championships in double-bit axe throwing.
