Kiwi wood-chopping great Jason Wynyard has died following a brief fight with an aggressive form of cancer.
Wynyard, who won nine senior world championships and many more titles around the world, was diagnosed with stage four Burkitt Lymphoma in May, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
Wynyard is unparalleled in wood chopping timber sports. He was recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list in 2017, being made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).
His family confirmed his death in a statement made from Wynyard’s Facebook page, which said he passed away at home surrounded by loved ones.
“Jason was diagnosed with stage 4 Burkitt lymphoma in May 2023, and fought bravely against the disease until his last breath. He passed away peacefully this morning at 2.20am, October 4th, 2023, holding the hand of his beloved partner Sharon Kennerley and their whanau and received into the arms of his long awaiting tupuna on the other side of the veil.
“He was a true champion, not only in wood-chopping, but in life. He inspired generations of athletes with his skill, passion, and humility. He left a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten,” the statement said.
Timbersports competitors of Wynyard have called him an “icon”, “the Michael Jordan of the sport”, a family man and incredibly humble despite his success in the sport.
STIHL New Zealand managing director Jochen Speer said he was much more than a world champion but an inspiring athlete, talented technician, ambassador and colleague for decades, and above all, a great mate to many.
“We wish his whanau our sincerest wishes at this difficult time, and we will treasure our wonderful memories of Jason and his connection with STIHL.”
He started wood chopping at age 6, encouraged by his late father Pae - himself an accomplished axeman - and turned professional in 1996.
Wynyard won the individual world championship nine times and the 49-year-old also claimed the Stihl Timbersports Series 14 times.
“It is with immense sadness we share our loss with you at the passing of our taonga Jason Wynyard in the early hours of this morning,” a post on the Ngati Manu Facebook said.
In a post on his Instagram account last month, it was revealed Wynyard underwent three cycles of chemotherapy but before the start of the fourth cycle, it was discovered the cancer was “far too aggressive” than what chemotherapy could fight and the cancer had continued to spread.
The lymphatic system is a network of tubes throughout the body. It drains fluid (called lymph) that has leaked from the blood vessels into the tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream via the lymph nodes.
“The doctors tackled it with the strongest chemo protocol possible, and on August 18th, they told him that medically there was nothing more they could utilize to combat it and gave him weeks to live. Jason is continuing to do what he does best, and that is keeping his head in the game and keep fighting. He is now switching directions and is focused on an integrated approach to healing and is continuing his fight. He is using natural remedies, alternative therapies, and spiritual practices to boost his immune system, reduce inflammation, and enhance his wellbeing. He is also using a hyperbaric chamber, which delivers pure oxygen at high pressure, to improve his blood circulation and tissue repair.
“Drawing on his competitive spirit and never-give-up attitude to defeat his illness, Jason along with his partner Sharon and their family, are grateful for the outpouring of love and support he has received.
“It is Jason’s wish to continue to share his journey in hopes that sharing it with others, it will help raise awareness about Burkitt lymphoma, the health system in New Zealand and give strength to others experiencing life’s challenges. Please help us to continue to support Jason and Sharon as they chop their way through this next block.”