#InFocus: Local Lumber Jill Hacks Away at the Competition

Chaddsford, Pa.( WTXF) A local "Lumber Jill" is hacking away at the competition.

FOX 29 Photojournalist Bill Rohrer shares her story.

Tucked away in Martha King's Chaddsford family home, training begins for what traditionally is a male dominated sport.

"Sometimes it puts me up against the men and I really like to push myself. Not that I try to make them look bad, but I like to try and make them a little bit nervous," wood chopping champion Martha King told FOX 29.

The sport is called 'Wood Chopping' or in Martha's case 'Lumber Jilling.' The object is to split an eleven inch diameter log with the fastest time. Accidents are inevitable so she wears protective socks.

"I drape it over and underneath my foot. It will keep me from severing anything but I will break bones," she explained. "Everything is a little bit dangerous, No risk, no fun. I just try to be careful and when I am up there in competition I try not to think about it."

Martha is the World Champion in her favorite event; the underhand chop and she was recently picked for the U.S. national team competing all over the world.

"Sometimes you get trophies, ribbons, scarf and prize money chainsaws that is always great," said Martha.

Martha and the U.S. Team won the international relay this spring in Sydney, Australia.

"Once I get out there I surprise them. I think other girls see that and say well that can be me, too. Why not," she explained.