Kamloops Track and Field Club celebrates World Champion Ethan Katzberg
Victor Kaisar & Jon Keen | Aug 21, 2023 | 9:20 AM
Photo via @WorldAthletics/Twitter
The Kamloops Track and Field Club is basking in the glory of their newest champion. Hammer thrower Ethan Katzberg, originally from Nanaimo but training in Kamloops, emerged victorious at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Katzberg’s remarkable achievement has not only made the nation proud, but it has also sparked excitement and grand celebrations within the close-knit Kamloops community.
A Historic Win
Katzberg’s gold medal-winning throw of 81.25 metres not only secured his place as a World Champion but also shattered his own national record of 81.18 metres set just one day prior during the qualifying round. The 21-year-old sensation, who had never thrown over 80 metres before, now holds the title of the youngest ever men’s hammer throw medallist and world champion in history.
Despite facing stiff competition from reigning Olympic champion Wojciech Nowicki of Poland, Katzberg outperformed his opponent by an impressive margin of 0.23 metres. His outstanding achievement was captured by CBC Sports, and the breathtaking footage of Katzberg’s winning throw has been widely shared and celebrated across social media platforms.
“It feels absolutely amazing,” Katzberg expressed to CBC Sports in an interview following his win. “To come up for my first World Championships and become World Champion with a national record on top of it, it is a very very good feeling.”
A Breakthrough Performance
For Katzberg, this victory is the culmination of hard work and dedication. As a silver medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and with consistent improvements in his performance, he has been steadily climbing the ranks of international athletics. Katzberg’s throw on Sunday’s final was not an isolated feat but rather the product of his remarkable progress over the past year.
“My coach, 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Dylan Armstrong, told me to go for it,” Katzberg revealed during the CBC interview. “I had 80 metres, so he told me ‘you know, you gotta go for it. Don’t hold back,’ and I tried my best to do that, and I think it worked out okay.”
From throwing a personal best of 55.72 metres in 2019 to reaching an impressive distance of 81.25 metres, Katzberg’s improvement of over 25 metres signals his potential for greater success in future competitions. With his sights set on performing exceptionally at the forthcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Katzberg exemplifies the grit and determination that have become synonymous with Canadian athletes.
Proudly Representing Canada and Kamloops
The significance of Katzberg’s victory extends beyond personal achievement. As the first Canadian man to medal in the hammer throw event, he has solidified his place in Canadian sports history. The Kamloops Track and Field Club expressed their overwhelming pride in a statement, emphasizing the significance of Katzberg’s achievement for the club and the entire community of Kamloops.
“Ethan, your home Club and Kamloops could not be more proud,” the statement reads. “Congratulations Ethan and Coach Dylan Armstrong. We can’t wait to show all of the kids that Gold medal!”
Katzberg’s remarkable accomplishment joins the recent achievements of fellow club member Greg Stewart, who secured a Paralympic gold medal in the F46 shot put event at the Tokyo 2020 Games. These victories not only highlight the exceptional talent within the Kamloops Track and Field Club but also reflect the dedication and support of the entire community in nurturing and empowering athletes to achieve their fullest potential.
Celebrating Success
The Kamloops Track and Field Club, alongside the city of Kamloops, is planning a grand celebration to honor Ethan Katzberg’s extraordinary achievement. The upcoming festivities will offer an opportunity for the community to come together and show their unwavering support for their champion.
Katzberg’s win serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that sports can have on inspiring and unifying communities. It exemplifies the countless hours of training, sacrifice, and determination that athletes undertake to achieve greatness, and serves as an inspiration for young aspiring athletes throughout Canada.
Ethan Katzberg’s World Championship win is not just a personal achievement but a triumph that resonates with the entire nation. It demonstrates the potential that lies within Canadian athletes and the unwavering support they receive from their communities. As Katzberg sets his sights on the 2024 Summer Olympics, he carries with him the hopes and dreams of a nation eager to witness the next chapter in his remarkable journey.
<< photo by Nicole Michalou >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
