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Sue Ann Propst
Published: September 20th, 2024
Sue Ann Propst is a remarkable figure in the world of bladesports, holding the title of the 2024 women's national champion. Hailing from Gastonia, North Carolina, she balances her life as an entrepreneur, a mother of three, and a fierce competitor in a predominantly male-dominated sport.
Sue Ann's journey into the world of knives began relatively recently. Five years ago, she met her husband, Ben Propst, who introduced her to bladesports by taking her to various cutting competitions. At that time, there were not many women participating in the sport, which piqued Sue Ann's interest and determination to give it a try. She began her practice sessions at Carothers Performance and quickly developed a passion for the sport.
In August 2022, Sue Ann entered her first competition, marking the beginning of her competitive journey. Her first cut was in Pennsylvania, where she impressively placed second. This initial success was a strong indicator of her potential in the sport. Since then, she has dedicated herself to rigorous training, practicing at least once a week with her favorite chopper, the Carothers Performance Chopper, affectionately named "Baby Driver."
Bladesports is a highly technical and demanding sport that requires precise technique and a specialized knife that meets specific standards. Sue Ann emphasizes the importance of practice and preparation for anyone interested in entering the sport. She advises newcomers to connect with active members of the bladesports community, invest in a compliant knife, and commit to practicing diligently. Safety is paramount, and attending a safety meeting is a crucial step before competing.
The courses in bladesports are meticulously designed to test a competitor's skill and precision. In women's divisions, participants typically cut through 1x4 boards, while national competitions may require cutting 2x4s. The courses also include cutting ropes ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, with the national level being more challenging than the world competitions.
- Sue Ann Propst began competing in bladesports competitions in August 2022
- Sue is the 2024 women's national champion
- Sue uses her the Carothers Performance Chopper, affectionately named "Baby Driver"
Scoring in bladesports is a combination of points and timing. Points are awarded for hitting specific targets accurately, such as slicing through water bottles, pool noodles, dowels, and cutting into designated zones on various targets, while points are deducted for missing targets, hitting outside designated zones, or incomplete cuts. Competitors are timed from the start to the end of the course, and the faster a competitor completes the course, the better their time score, although time penalties may be applied for errors or deviations from the designated cutting tasks.
- Sue, her husband Ben Propst, and daughter Juli all actively compete in bladesport competitions
- In 2024, Sue Ann was sponsored by Niagara Specialty Metals
Sue Ann's achievements in bladesports are impressive. In addition to her national title, she placed second at nationals and worlds in the previous year, demonstrating consistent excellence in her performances. Her dedication to the sport is mirrored in her entrepreneurial endeavors. She owns a salon called Running with Scissors and the Wicked Waffle Co., balancing her professional life with her passion for bladesports.
Sue Ann Propst's journey in bladesports exemplifies her dedication, skill, and passion. Her achievements not only highlight her excellence in the sport but also inspire others to pursue their interests regardless of gender. As she continues to compete and train the next generation, including her daughter Juli, Sue Ann solidifies her role as a trailblazer, encouraging more women to join and succeed in the world of bladesports
Juli, Sue, and Ben Propst
Written by Drew Clifton
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