How did Tyler Seidel become a professional axe thrower. What world records has he set in axe throwing. Why is axe throwing becoming a popular competitive sport. How does one train to become an elite axe thrower. What are the key techniques for accurate axe throwing. Can axe throwing be a viable career option. What safety precautions are necessary in competitive axe throwing.
The Unexpected Journey into Professional Axe Throwing
Tyler Seidel’s journey into the world of professional axe throwing began in an unexpected way. In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Seidel found himself jobless after losing his position as a swimming instructor and lifeguard. Little did he know that his search for new employment would lead him to become one of the world’s best axe throwers.
When an opportunity as an axe throwing instructor presented itself, Seidel initially thought the sport was “kind of dumb.” However, driven by the need for a job and attracted by the good pay, he decided to give it a shot. This decision would prove to be life-changing, propelling him into a career as a professional athlete in a sport he had never considered before.
From Novice to Pro: A Rapid Ascent
Seidel’s natural athletic ability quickly became apparent in his new role. His first throw resulted in a bullseye, a feat that usually takes time and practice to achieve. This initial success sparked a passion for the sport, leading Seidel to invest more time in practicing and honing his skills.
As his talent became evident, colleagues encouraged him to participate in tournaments. His first competitive experience resulted in a second-place finish, motivating him to pursue the sport more seriously. With dedicated practice and an innate talent, Seidel’s skills improved rapidly, setting the stage for his meteoric rise in the world of professional axe throwing.
Breaking World Records and Shattering Expectations
Within a remarkably short period, Tyler Seidel established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the axe throwing community. His achievements include:
- Ranking number one on the global leaderboard in the World Axe Throwing League’s Official Hatchet Summer 2021 and Official Hatchet Fall 2021 competitions
- Becoming the youngest person to place first in the world in back-to-back seasons
- Being the first person to break the 1700-point barrier in the sport
- Earning the title of Rookie of the Year from both the league and ESPN
These accomplishments are even more impressive considering Seidel achieved them at the age of 19, demonstrating that age is no barrier to success in this emerging sport.
The Secret to Seidel’s Success
What factors contribute to Seidel’s extraordinary success in axe throwing? While natural athletic ability plays a significant role, his dedication to practice and continuous improvement cannot be overlooked. Seidel commits a minimum of 15 hours per week to honing his skills, balancing this rigorous training schedule with his studies as an accounting and finance double major.
Additionally, Seidel’s competitive spirit and drive to make his parents proud serve as powerful motivators. The support and belief of his family have been crucial in his journey, pushing him to excel and make the most of his unexpected talent.
The Rise of Competitive Axe Throwing
Axe throwing as a competitive sport has gained significant popularity in recent years. But what makes this activity so appealing to both participants and spectators?
- Accessibility: Unlike many sports that require years of training from a young age, axe throwing can be picked up relatively quickly by adults.
- Unique Skill Set: The sport combines elements of precision, strength, and technique, offering a fresh challenge for those seeking a new athletic pursuit.
- Social Aspect: Many axe throwing venues offer a social environment, making it an enjoyable activity for groups and fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts.
- Competitive Structure: Organizations like the World Axe Throwing League provide a structured competitive environment, complete with rankings, tournaments, and professional opportunities.
The growth of axe throwing as a sport has opened up new avenues for athletes like Seidel, offering the potential for sponsorships, endorsements, and even careers in what was once considered a niche activity.
Techniques and Training for Elite Axe Throwing
Becoming an elite axe thrower requires more than just raw talent. It demands a combination of precise technique, consistent practice, and mental focus. Here are some key aspects of axe throwing technique and training:
Grip and Stance
The way an axe is held and the thrower’s stance are crucial for accuracy and power. Most throwers use a one-handed grip, holding the axe at the bottom of the handle. The stance typically involves standing sideways to the target, with feet shoulder-width apart for balance.
The Throw
The throwing motion is a smooth, controlled movement. It begins with the axe held behind the head, followed by a forward step and a release that allows the axe to rotate once before striking the target. Timing the release is critical for ensuring the blade, not the handle, strikes the target.
Mental Preparation
Like many precision sports, axe throwing requires intense focus and mental clarity. Many top throwers practice visualization techniques and work on maintaining composure under pressure.
Physical Conditioning
While axe throwing doesn’t require extreme physical fitness, maintaining good overall health and focusing on arm and core strength can improve performance and prevent injuries.
Safety Considerations in Competitive Axe Throwing
As with any sport involving sharp objects, safety is paramount in axe throwing. What measures are in place to ensure the safety of participants and spectators?
- Protective Equipment: While not always required, some throwers opt to wear protective gear such as closed-toe shoes and safety glasses.
- Controlled Environment: Competitions take place in specially designed venues with proper barriers and designated throwing lanes.
- Strict Rules: Competitions enforce rules about when and how axes can be thrown, as well as proper behavior in the throwing area.
- Trained Officials: Certified judges and officials oversee competitions to ensure adherence to safety protocols.
- Axe Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of axes ensure they are in proper condition for safe use.
Despite these precautions, injuries can still occur. Seidel himself has experienced cuts to his face and ear during his career, highlighting the importance of developing proper technique and maintaining focus during throws.
The Future of Axe Throwing as a Professional Sport
As axe throwing continues to gain popularity, what does the future hold for this emerging sport? Several factors suggest a promising outlook:
Increased Media Coverage
With coverage from major sports networks like ESPN, axe throwing is gaining more mainstream recognition. This exposure is likely to attract more participants and sponsors to the sport.
Technological Advancements
The integration of technology in scoring systems and training tools could enhance the competitive aspect of the sport and improve the spectator experience.
International Growth
While currently most popular in North America, axe throwing has the potential to expand globally, possibly even leading to international competitions or Olympic recognition in the future.
Career Opportunities
As the sport grows, more opportunities for professional athletes, coaches, and related industry professionals are likely to emerge, creating a sustainable ecosystem around axe throwing.
Balancing Athletics and Academics: Tyler Seidel’s Dual Focus
One of the most impressive aspects of Tyler Seidel’s journey is his ability to balance his burgeoning career as a professional axe thrower with his academic pursuits. As an accounting and finance double major, Seidel demonstrates that it’s possible to excel in both athletic and academic domains simultaneously.
Time Management Skills
Juggling the demands of rigorous academic studies with the training regimen of a professional athlete requires exceptional time management skills. Seidel’s ability to allocate a minimum of 15 hours per week to axe throwing practice while maintaining his studies is a testament to his discipline and organizational abilities.
Transferable Skills
The skills Seidel has developed through axe throwing – focus, precision, and the ability to perform under pressure – likely translate well to his academic pursuits. Conversely, the analytical thinking required in his accounting and finance studies may contribute to his strategic approach in competitions.
Future Career Prospects
Seidel’s unique combination of athletic achievement and academic pursuits opens up diverse career opportunities. Whether he chooses to continue as a professional axe thrower, pursue a career in finance, or find a way to merge these two worlds, his varied skill set positions him well for future success.
The Impact of Family Support on Athletic Success
Throughout his journey, Tyler Seidel has consistently emphasized the crucial role his family’s support has played in his success. This underscores the often-overlooked aspect of an athlete’s support system in achieving high-level performance.
Emotional Support
The unwavering belief of Seidel’s parents in his abilities has provided him with the confidence to pursue this unconventional career path. Their emotional support has been a driving force in his determination to succeed.
Practical Support
Beyond emotional encouragement, family support often involves practical aspects such as financial assistance, transportation to competitions, and help with balancing various commitments. This practical support can be invaluable, especially for young athletes just starting their careers.
Motivation for Excellence
Seidel’s desire to make his parents proud serves as a powerful motivator, pushing him to continually improve and strive for excellence. This intrinsic motivation, fueled by family support, can be a key factor in long-term athletic success.
The story of Tyler Seidel serves as an inspiring example of how unexpected opportunities, combined with natural talent, dedication, and strong support systems, can lead to extraordinary achievements. As the sport of axe throwing continues to evolve, athletes like Seidel are paving the way for future generations, demonstrating the potential for success in this emerging field.
Tyler Seidel ’23 Sets New World Records as Professional Axe Thrower
by Janelle Hill Aug 22, 2022
Tyler Seidel just needed a job.
It was 2020, in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. He had lost his position as a swimming instructor and lifeguard when the country began closing down. Like many others, he found himself searching for something new.
“Axe throwing instructor popped up. At that point in time, I thought axe throwing was kind of dumb, but I needed a job and it paid well. I signed up but didn’t know what I was really getting myself into.”
Tyler Seidel ’23, accounting and finance double major
Fast forward more than two years later, Seidel is a full-fledged professional athlete, and one of the best axe throwers in the world. He ranked number one on the global leaderboard in the World Axe Throwing League’s Official Hatchet Summer 2021 and Official Hatchet Fall 2021 competitions—all at the age of 19.
He also broke a few records during his first pro season, becoming the youngest person to place first in the world in back-to-back seasons and the first person to break the 1700-point barrier in the sport, and he was even named Rookie of the Year by the league and ESPN.
Seidel credits his success, in part, to his natural athletic ability.
“When I threw my first axe—most of the time you don’t stick it—but my first time was literally a straight bullseye,” he says. “I just whipped it up there, and it worked out naturally.”
When he became an instructor at Splitting Edge Axe Throwing, Seidel started practicing more and more. It wasn’t long before friends and co-workers took notice of his talent and encouraged him to try his hand in a tournament. He ended up placing second, but that was only the beginning.
“After that, I just kept getting better and better,” he says.
The path to becoming a professional athlete certainly has its perks: Seidel has made countless connections and even snagged sponsorships and endorsement deals. But the process isn’t without its growing pains; he even has the scars to prove it.
“I’ve actually cut my face and my ear numerous times,” he says with a laugh. “When I throw, I use my face as a guide; I graze my entire face.
Now, I go slow and I’ve got my technique down enough that I don’t really worry about it.”
In between classes, Seidel practices a minimum of 15 hours a week, and he currently throws with the Widowmakers, a team based out of Philadelphia. He’s back on the tournament circuit, and he’ll be returning to the world competition again this December. But his biggest driving force isn’t traveling to new cities or seeing his name on the global leaderboard again; it’s making his parents proud.
“My parents believed in me and sacrificed so much to help me get where I’m at right now. They have always been super invested in me and my athletics. They really pushed me to be the best that I can be.”
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Tyler Seidel – 2023 – Men’s Lacrosse
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2022Sophomore
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Seidel – Lew Yan Foon, Astrid 30 June 2023 10:35 personal meetings
Seidel – Lew Yan Foon, Astri d 30 June 2023 10:35 H2H – Tennis
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HomeTennisITF WomenFrance ITF 13A, Women Singles
Seidel Ella
–
Lew Yan Foon Astrid
Surface:
9050 4 Ground
Stage:
Quarter-finals
30.
06.23
10:35
WTA – 383
Completed
WTA – 1246
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9 0569 History of personal meetings
Seidel Ella
2 sets
Lew Yan Foon Astrid
0 sets
1 win
0 wins
Live matches
France ITF 13A Women Singles
6/30/23
Ella Seidel
Lew Yan Foon, Astrid
Match results: Ella Seidel
France ITF 13A Women Singles
07/01/23
Sappho Sakellaridi 90 499
Ella Seidel
R
France ITF 13A Women Singles
6/30/23
Ella Seidel
Lew Yan Foon, Astrid
B
France ITF 13A Women Singles
6/29/23
Ella Seidel
Lua Boisson
B
France ITF 13A Women Singles
6/27/23
Ella Seidel
Sarah Iliev
B
9 0002 Germany, Berlin
17.06.23
Ella Seidel
Siegemund, Laura
R
Match results: Lew Yan Foon, Astrid
France ITF 14A Women Singles
03/07/23
90 504 Flavi Brunion
Astrid Liu Jan Foon
B
France ITF 14A, Women’s Singles
02.
