Braxton Bartlett, 13, from Haly Creek near Kingaroy has etched his name in the record books, claiming his third Australian Whip-Cracking Junior Championship at Ekka 2025.
Hosted by the Australian Whipcrackers and Plaiters Association (AWPA), this elite event showcases the nation’s most skilled competitors across age-divided categories, from PeeWee and Juvenile to Junior, Ladies and Men’s divisions.
On Sunday, 17 August, the Royal Queensland Showgrounds buzzed with the unmistakable crack of whips as seasoned whip-crackers displayed precision, technical flair and striking showmanship.
In the Junior (16 and under) division, Braxton delivered a standout performance that captivated judges with its finesse and rhythmic execution, earning him the national title, yet again.
Braxton’s win marks a remarkable achievement: three-time Australian champion while still in his teens. His consistency and prowess underscore his dedication to the craft and positions him as a rising star in the whip-cracking community.
Speaking after his victory, Braxton’s enthusiasm was evident: “Winning here at Ekka again is incredible,“ he said. “I’m so proud to keep pushing my skills and to represent Queensland.“
Braxton said he enjoyed “keeping the Australian tradition of whip-cracking alive“ and, while making and learning new tricks was a challenge, “it’s so rewarding when I get it right“.
“My favourite trick at the moment is the Migraine,“ he said. “It has taken about six months to perfect and I’m still trying to improve.
“I want to travel all over the world cracking, get others involved and teach.
“To keep the sport alive and one day crack at the Olympics.“
While Braxton began cracking his whip when he was six “to copy Dad, chasing cattle“, it was his teacher at St John’s Lutheran School in Kingaroy Jonathan Kotzur who first spotted his potential and encouraged him to start competing at the age of 10.
Braxton’s mum Kristy says Braxton trains daily, often pushing through burning arm and shoulder muscles and bleeding legs to perfect his tricks.
“He loves it,“ she said. “I think it’s because Braxton is a bit shy and it’s his way, I think, of just expressing himself and being creative.“
Braxton sources his whips from the renowned Simon Martin Whips in Tasmania and chooses which one to use based on trick selection.
“So, they have different (whip) sizes for different tricks,“ Kristy says. “Little, really little ones for really fast tricks. And bigger ones for more of a slower trick.“
Whip-cracking may be a traditional art form, but competitors such as Braxton ensure its relevance through precision, discipline and flair.
As he continues to hone his craft, the community will be watching – and listening – for that signature crack.
