Cleveland Cherry is about to embark on the trip of a lifetime to represent New Zealand in the Timbersports Rookie World Champs in Austria later this month
The 21-year-old will compete for the first time at the event, but that doesn't faze this humble Kiwi from Tokoroa.
Woodchopping isn't for the faint-hearted, but for Cherry, it's second nature.
"I work here for the McLennans on their farm as a tractor driver, do a bit of hunting and fishing in my spare time, and chop a bit of wood every now and then," he told Newshub.
The modest youngster started chopping at just 14, following in the footsteps of father Norm.
"I never started until I was 40," Norm said. "Cleveland was about 14 at that time, and he sort of watched, wanted to have a go, picked up an axe and got into it.
"[He] was pretty good from his first chop, won the youth chop at the Tokoroa show and just progressed from there, got better and better."
In fact, he's become so good, he claimed the title of New Zealand's Top Rookie Axeman in March.
And now he's off to the rookie world championships in Austria, competing against 11 of the best newcomers to the sport under the age of 25.
They'll compete across five disciplines - the standing block, underhand chop, single buck, stock saw and the springboard.
"Probably the standing block is my favourite event," Cherry added. "It's the one I do the best in."
And Dad likes his chances too, but says no matter what, he'll make his small rural town of Tokoroa proud.
"Cleveland's a good a chance as anyone, if he draws good wood," Norm continued. "He's naturally got a good technique.
"It's come pretty easy for him and he's fairly strong, so he's got everything he needs."
"Everyone's going there to win it," Cherry added. "I wouldn't mind taking out top spot, but there's some pretty good boys in there that could push me out pretty quick."
But should he walk away with the prizemoney…
"I'll probably pay off some debts," he said. "I'm supposed to be going down to the South Island in July for a hunting trip, so a bit of money for that would be handy."
Until then, he's keeping his eye on the prize, as he prepares to chop the competition to pieces.
