Ethan Katzberg Wins Olympic Gold in Hammer Throw with Record Performance
Ethan Katzberg from Nanaimo, B.C., has captured gold in the men’s hammer throw at the Paris Olympics, delivering a remarkable performance that set an Olympic record. Katzberg, 22, began the competition with a throw of 84.12 metres, surpassing the previous record and ensuring his victory from the outset.
Katzberg’s opening throw was unmatched throughout the event, with no other competitor exceeding 80 metres. “I didn’t know if I would win gold, but I prepared well for a strong first throw,” Katzberg said. “It felt incredible to secure the win with that throw.”
The Canadian athlete, who is unbeaten this year, became the youngest-ever Olympic champion in hammer throw. Hungary’s Bence Halasz claimed silver with a throw of 79.97 metres, while Ukraine’s Mykhaylo Kokhan won bronze with 79.39 metres.
Canada’s last Olympic hammer throw medal was over a century ago, when Duncan Gillis won silver in Stockholm in 1912. Katzberg’s victory not only marks a historic achievement for Canada but also highlights the nation’s growing strength in throwing events.