MINNEAPOLIS — A Minneapolis native will be competing on the world's biggest stage this weekend in Appleton, Wisconsin.
"It's an honor to be able to compete at this tournament, especially with it being so close to home," said World Knife Throwing Championship qualifier Olaf Lee.
Lee will be representing the Twin Cities this weekend at the World Knife Throwing Championship.
"I never really thought I would be standing where I am standing today as far as going to Worlds," said Lee.
Lee is one of a hundred qualifiers for the World Knife Throwing Championship. He'll be competing against the world's best for a $50,000 prize, with the finals being televised on ESPN.
"That level of competition, and that drive, I need in my life. It brings me great joy, it's the best way to put it," said Lee.
That joy is a product of daily practice full of technique, form and focus, because knife throwing requires mental and physical skills.
"It is all about arm mechanics and essentially where you let go. That focus on nothing but the task at hand. Oddly simple and yet oddly challenging at the same time," said Lee.
Another big key to success for Lee? Simply practicing on a daily basis, something mundane, yet very enjoyable for him.
"It allows me to almost find a peace, or a state of mind where I am solely able to focus on throwing, and it's awesome," said Lee.
The competition gets underway starting on Friday with the finals being televised on Sunday.
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