In the end, there were two athletes that stood above the rest. They chopped, bucked, ran, raced and sawed better than any of the other competitors throughout the day and their effort paid off.
Mitch Hewitt and Dale Ryan, both from Australia, put in a solid days' worth of work and walked away with the prestigious Logger of the Day award, which goes to the athlete with the highest point total from all of their events.
Throughout the event's 48-year history, there has never before been a tie.
"I got really lucky in all my events," said Mitch Hewitt. "It's a bit of pride I suppose [to win the award]. It's a pretty respected prize to win."
Hewitt topped all competitors in the Open Speed Bucking, the World Championship Springboard Chop, and the Obstacle Pole Bucking. This year was Hewitt's fourth time competing in Squamish, and plans to keep coming back.
"I reckon it's the best event in North America," said Hewitt. "There's a lot of good guys here; the competition is excellent."
Dale Ryan was unavailable for comment after the competition, but grabbed the microphone from MC Paul Mackenzie and thanked the audience in the closing moments.
"You guys do a great job here - thanks Squamish," he said.
Ryan took first place in the World Championship Standing Butcher Block Chop, the Open Underhand Chop, and the Open Single Bucking.
Last year's Logger of the Day, Wade Stewart from Parksville, was back again to defend his title and put in a valiant effort, but fell just short of claiming the title for the third time in four years. Stewart finished first in the Canadian Championship Chokerman's Race and the World Championship Tree Climb, but failed to gain enough points in the overall standings to clinch the title. He was tied with Ryan and Mitchell at the end of competition, but lost the title because the other two athletes had more second- and third-place finishes.
"It was a spectacular day," said Stewart. "It's always good here, the crowd, the competition - everybody really gets into it. It's such a well-organized and well-sponsored event, I hope to see everyone again next year."
Sportsman of the Day honours went to Leigh Black from Prince George, B.C.
