B.C.’s Andrea Hand wins her second Canadian logger sports title, setting a new world record in the underhand chop at the STIHL women’s championship.
Record-Breaking Victory
Andrea Hand of Kaslo, B.C., captured her second straight Canadian STIHL Women’s Championship on September 5 in London, Ontario, setting a new world record in the process. The logger sports athlete completed the underhand chop in 21.65 seconds, breaking both her own national mark and the global record of 22.75 seconds, set by American Erin LaVoie just two months earlier.
The Champion’s Reaction
Hand admitted she felt strong during the cut but was surprised by the result. “I knew I had a great cut,” she said. “You know when you’re up there how well it’s going, but I never expected it would be that good.” Her reaction was one of shock, quickly followed by celebration as the crowd realized the magnitude of her achievement.
How the Competition Unfolded
The STIHL championship required athletes to compete across four disciplines. Alongside her record-setting underhand chop, Hand won the stock saw event, placed second in the standing block chop, and finished fourth in single buck. Those results gave her a total of 28 points, enough to edge out runner-up and former champion Stephanie Naud.
Why This Title Matters
Beyond adding another national crown, Hand’s victory cements her status as one of the world’s top competitors in logger sports — a discipline that demands both precision and raw strength. By setting a record on home soil, she has elevated Canada’s standing in a sport traditionally dominated by athletes from New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.
What Comes Next
With the national title secured, Hand now qualifies for the World Women’s Championship, scheduled to be held in Europe next year. There, she will face the best competitors from across the globe, entering as not only a Canadian champion but also the world record holder in the underhand chop.
A Mindset for Success
Despite her dominance, Hand emphasized humility in her approach. “I never show up expecting, because you don’t deserve anything, you’re not entitled,” she said. “So never show up expecting, but love to leave winning.” Her mindset, paired with her skill, suggests she will remain a force in international competition for years to come.
This article is original and written specifically for Surreyspeak.com
