Amy Silcock, a shearing champion, has broken the world record for women’s solo eight-hour ewe shearing. The event took place in Pahiatua on 7 January 2024, with a strong crowd of onlookers witnessing the remarkable feat.

After surpassing the previous record held by British farmer Marie Prebble by shearing 386 ewes, Silcock attributed her success to her determination to prove her critics wrong. She described the physical and mental challenge as the most enjoyable aspect of the experience, stating, ‘You’ve gotta go to the darkest places in your mind to be able to get through that.’

Despite facing significant pain and exhaustion during the shearing process, Silcock found motivation in the criticism she received after an unsuccessful attempt last year. She expressed her determination to prove her detractors wrong, emphasizing that the backlash she faced served as a driving force for her latest achievement.

Even after breaking the world record, Silcock remained modest, claiming that there are better shearers out there and downplaying her own abilities. She acknowledged her slow progress in the past, stating, ‘It’s only in the last, honestly, two years that I’ve been like, ‘Oh, I’ve figured it out now’.’

Following her triumph, Silcock celebrated with her closest friends, expressing gratitude for their support throughout the day. She described the experience as ‘amazing’ and emphasized the joy of having her favorite people by her side during such a significant accomplishment.

The shearing champion’s remarkable achievement has garnered attention and admiration, marking a significant milestone in the world of shearing and rural sports.