For Broadford’s Brayden Meyer, 2021 was set to be a year of fantastic opportunity, as he primed himself for another successful period on the Timbersports circuit and a chance to finally defend his world championship title from 2019.
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However, as with many athletes across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic would spoil the party once again. Restricted travel and heavy quarantine requirements saw him unable to get to Munich for the 2021 Individual World Championship — where for the first time since 2006 a competitor from neither Australia nor New Zealand took out the title.
With restrictions now easing and live sport finally returning to our shores, Meyer is determined to make up for lost time and win back the title in 2022.
Speaking with The News he outlined the circumstances that led to him being unable to compete in Munich.
Saw point: Brayden Meyer.
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“It was very disappointing (not being able to go defend my title), especially to not have any Australians there as well it was frustrating to see us unable to continue our dominance — but with COVID it is what it is unfortunately,” Meyer said.
“We got the exemption to go, but I just recently had my second child so I wouldn’t have been out of quarantine to see that so I thought it was best if I stayed home for that.
“It was also hard to try and find flights to get home as well, so it could have been a very long time away from the family.”
Rather than plying his trade on the big stage, Meyer was instead forced to watch his world title slip away from his lounge room.
Cracking in: Brayden Meyer.
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“It was a little bit strange watching the championships from home knowing I should have been there — I never like missing events like that, so it certainly was hard to watch,” he said.
“At the end of the day though I couldn’t really do much about the situation, but I felt I would have done really well if I were there, so that is driving me moving forward.”
Meyer explained what Timbersports was all about and how he got involved.
“Timbersports is a six-event format, so you have three chopping and three sawing events, and you accumulate points through those events with athletes dropping out as the competition continues until there are six players remaining in the final event,” he said.
“I am a fourth generation wood chopper from both sides of my family and I was pretty much brought up with it. I work in the timber industry in Victoria as well, so it is what I do 24/7 really and is a massive passion of mine.”
Climbing the ranks at different shows across Australia, he quickly showed great potential in becoming one of the nation’s best choppers and joined the Timbersports circuit where he claimed the ultimate success in 2019.
“Being the youngest ever to win (the world championship) at just 25 was very special, to represent your country in any sport or level you are at is probably the best feeling you will ever get,” he said.
“I pride myself on giving my all for my country and family, so to go out there and top it all off with a win just topped off what was a great trip.”
As international competition returns for Australian athletes, Meyer sketched out his plans for 2022 and beyond.
Hoping to return to the top: Broadford’s Brayden Meyer in action during the 2017 world championships. Picture: Geir Olsen/NTB Scanpix via AP
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Geir Olsen
“I hope to compete in the Australian championships in the new year and continue my good run there — I haven’t been beaten there for quite a few years now — so it will be nice to go along there and do that and hopefully perform again,” he said.
“Also to go overseas again after that and have another go at the world championships will be really exciting.
“I am very determined to take that title off the US, who won it this year, and let the world know that us Aussies are the real deal.”
Back in the day: Brayden Meyer in action at the 2015 world championships. Picture: EPA/Jakub Kaczmarczyk
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JAKUB KACZMARCZYK
