Hello dear reader, C-man here back again with a red-hot interview from the destructive but surprisingly green land of Iceland! Today we feature an axe thrower interview with Elvar Olafsson aka Éllo.
TELL US A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF!
I’m a quick learner but a better coach/teacher. So usually when I start doing something new, then in the beginning I’m the best but then gradually I see the people I’m helping starting kicking the shit out of me in tournaments 🙂
WHY DO WE CALL YOU ÉLLO?
Elvar Ólafsson is not the easiest name outside of Iceland. Just thought it was a fun and easy twist on my name that would be easier to pronounce and now I and surrounding people can call out my name when I enter the lane.
YOU VISITED THE UK RECENTLY AND TOOK PART IN BACK-TO-BACK MARATHONS - HOW DID YOU FEEL DURING, AND AFTER?
It was awesome. So much fun throwing, competing and getting to know everyone. Coalville only had one lane but our parking lot camping site camaraderie was fantastic. Then I managed to get 3rd place in the Nuneaton Halloween Marathon which was a lovely surprise as well 🙂.
The lack of sleep was the most difficult part, as I got to the hotel after the former marathon at 3 in the morning. As we departed directly to the airport after the second marathon then I was like a zombie driving to it.
Would I do it again? Absolutely, if I need to travel abroad to compete then the more the merrier.
WHAT AXES DO YOU THROW?
Axe Gang/ Cold steel are my favorite at the moment. I am always looking for a toy to play with but living in Iceland makes that a bit difficult. Buying one online, (along with expensive freight and lengthy discussion with the Icelandic custom) only to find out immediately that it’s not my new favorite axe. I will try to find new ones when I visit Valhall North next week.
For big axe I’m using the IATF one. Haven’t found “the one” there yet.
I'VE SEEN THIS MYSELF, YOU ACTUALLY THROW TWO OF THE SAME AXE FOR CLUTCH AND BULL - WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH THAT?!
So my main axe is the axe gang, a slightly heavier version of the Cold steel. I've laser engraved it, named it "Floyd the barber" and shortened it a lot to try to get the optimal 45 degree angle on the bulls eye throw.
But after the prem clutch was introduced I found out my handle was too short to get all the blade into the wood with the optimal power.
Also, when I was starting to train the clutches, then Floyd wasn't expendable enough for all those drops and occasional screws hits. Cold steel are my house axes so they were expendable enough for that.
I'm still looking for something better. I've tried a few, e.g. the WATL axes and the flying fox but they have not suited me.
ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO ATTENDING YOUR 2ND EUROPEAN REGIONALS EVENT?
Absolutely. It’s only going to be a single marathon this time along with the regionals so I might have to get a few beers this time :)
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW THROWER?
Where you throw from is more important than power.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE THROWER?
Silly question C-man, you know you’re my favourite.
(If you want your chance to be Elvar’s favourite thrower, the bribe was as cheap as a four pack of beer. I know what this man likes).
TELL US YOUR AXE ORIGIN STORY.
In 2017 my friends and I travelled to Toronto where I tried axe throwing for the first time. I had never heard of it but it was amazing. Thought it was the perfect combination of competition and nonsense. I had to try to see if it would work in Iceland.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT AXE THROWING?
Friendly people playing with sharp objects.
ANY GOALS YOU'D LIKE TO ACHIEVE OR YOU FEEL YOU'RE CLOSE TO ACHIEVING?
Still waiting for my first 81… Managed to get 42x 27’s, 4x 79’s and 6x 77’s this weekend without securing it. I swear the clutch moved away a couple of times 🙂
I guess I’ll just have to get a premier one at Valhalla North next week.
A huge shout out to Elvar for this one, we in the UK don't often get to meet our Icelandic axe fam, but when we do, it's like they never left! You'll find Elvar representing Iceland at RATC. Thank you for reading and remember; regardless of how you're feeling, you are enough.
Your friendly neighbourhood C-man
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