How world champion Foster turned woodchopping into a glamour sport
David Foster is a phenomenal champion who has set such high standards in woodchopping and broken so many records that he makes it one of the coolest professions in the world.
The Express
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David Foster is a phenomenon who has set such high standards in woodchopping and so many records that he makes it one of the coolest professions in the world.
Foster‘s reputation always precedes him and for a very good reason: The Tasmanian icon has won a staggering 1000 titles and more in the woodchopping discipline, having started his dominance with his dad George in 1978.
Foster, 62, is a sure winner at the Sydney Royal Easter Show each year, his personality and immense strength eminently built for his unique skills.
Standing 197cm tall and weighing more than 150kg, the man mountain is built for his role as world champion woodchopper.
Local fans can watch the master in action at Bankstown Sports Club on Easter Sunday from 7.30pm at the Rainforest Lounge.
“I may not be a good golfer but I am a very good woodchopper,” the Australian Axeman of the Decade said.
“I do the normal things to keep fit including working out at the gym.
“I have been coming to the Royal Easter Show for many years and the sport is growing.
“This year we have more than 200 people from around the world taking part in the competition at the show.
“I stopped competing in the world championships a few years ago and the opportunity to give back something back to woodchopping is a big honour.
Well known for his charity work, Foster and his family are famous across Australia and internationally for their amazing dominance in the art of woodchopping.
With his late dad George, David won the 600mm double handled sawing title 11 times on the trot from 1978. Not content with that, Foster combined with brother Peter who retain the championship for another 10 times, making it 21 on the trot.
After a rare loss to the New Zealanders in 2000, the Foster brothers won it back the next year before Peter retired and David’s son Stephen stepped in.
Stephen, the only boy among the four children, is in Sydney for the Royal Easter Show and will be taking part in the Bankstown Sports event on Sunday. Foster’s other children are Janelle and twins Sally and Kate.
David Foster laughs when I ask him what is the secret to his success: “There is no secret but you have to be passionate to be successful.”
“There are several things you need in woodchopping, with technique and timing important.”
Foster reached the once unthinkable milestone of 1000 titles when he won at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 1998, a record which should stand for a long time.
“My wife Jan also comes from a champion woodchopping family and Stephen takes part in competitions too,“ Foster said.
Foster, a former captain of Australia, has represented the country at local and international events and who was awarded an OAM for his outstanding record.
■ Catch David Foster and son Stephen at the Bankstown Sports on Easter Sunday from 7.30-8.30pm. Cost: Free
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