Maarika Lepik wins axe-throwing world title

Maarika Lepik won the two-edged axe-throwing world championship in Sweden, ERR’s Vikerraadio reported. She told the programme that the sport is not dangerous and that injuries are uncommon, although she does not like chopping wood.

“It was my fourth time at the world championships, and I won a medal for the first time. I came fourth in Canada,” Lepik said.

She recalled suffering such a release of tension during the competition that she nearly lost her chance while competing for third place. She managed only one successful throw, but her opponent also performed poorly, sending the contest to a tiebreak.

“When I started throwing, the target board was blurry in front of my eyes. I do not know how the results came out, but instead of one throw, we needed three to determine who would compete for the golden throw,” Lepik said.

Lepik began throwing axes after her father challenged her to try it at the Maidla manor days. She said she stayed until the event ended because she immediately enjoyed the activity.

Axe throwing is not an officially recognised sport, but it has rules. Competitors throw a two-edged axe over their heads using both hands, while the distance to the target and the axe’s weight are regulated.

“I do not go to the gym and I do not have strength. I throw with my whole body,” Lepik said. In winter, she throws at an axe-throwing hall in Ida-Viru County.

Lepik said her victory came from being able to concentrate fully on her throw. She won by a one-point margin over the runner-up.

Each competitor uses their own axe. Lepik’s was made by blacksmith Meelis Pällo.