Paris, France — In a stunning display of athletic prowess and precision, Ethan Katzberg of Nanaimo claimed the gold medal in the men’s hammer throw at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Sunday night. Competing in front of a packed Stade de France, Katzberg shattered the competition with his very first throw, launching the hammer to an astounding 84.12 meters. This remarkable feat left his competitors emotionally crushed and unable to match his performance, securing the gold medal for the John Barsby Secondary graduate.
“I can call myself an Olympic champion for the rest of my life,” said Katzberg, as he reflected on his historic achievement. “It was incredible. It’s a really special moment and I’ll always remember this day.”
The event was essentially over after Katzberg’s first throw. His plan to secure a strong initial throw paid off spectacularly, as no other athlete could even approach his distance. Bence Halász of Hungary took the silver with a throw of 79.97 meters, while Mykhaylo Kokhan of Ukraine earned the bronze at 79.39 meters.
“Our plan was to get a good one out there in the first round,” Katzberg explained. “For it to be 84 meters definitely relieved some of the nerves. After that, I still tried to go for it and get a little more out, but I couldn’t do it technically.”
Though he attempted to improve his mark, Katzberg’s initial throw was more than sufficient to secure the gold. “I never want to assume it’s going to be good enough and I keep wanting to improve my mark,” he said. “Anything can happen in the Olympics. Fortunately, it was enough to seal the deal.”
Katzberg’s throw of 84 meters is a significant benchmark in the sport, a figure difficult for competitors to beat. His preparation, spanning an entire year, focused solely on this event. The result was a performance that felt both relieving and exhilarating for the young athlete. “We prepared for this for a whole year. It was the only thing we were thinking about. And to throw an 84 and bring home the gold felt really good. Having that cushion really felt good. But there’s definitely nerves still. Anything can happen. This is the Olympics.”
Standing at six-foot-six and weighing 236 pounds, Katzberg’s performance was a masterclass in technique and strength. His seamless spin and effortless release of the hammer were mesmerizing to watch. Interestingly, despite his imposing size, Katzberg is considered relatively weak in terms of traditional gym workouts by other throwers.
“You don’t have to be crazy strong,” noted his coach, Dylan Armstrong. “Ethan is hammer strong. He has stretchy muscles that work for him.”
Katzberg’s victory was part of a strong showing by British Columbian throwers at the Stade de France, with Rowan Hamilton of Chilliwack placing ninth and Adam Keenan of Victoria finishing 13th. Hamilton praised Katzberg’s efficiency and precision, noting that international competitors often ask how the Islander achieves such results.
Katzberg’s distinctive moustache and flowing hair, along with his more angular and lean physique, set him apart in the hammer throw world. His rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. Earlier in April, he achieved a throw of 84.38 meters in Nairobi, Kenya, the farthest hammer throw in 16 years and the ninth longest of all time. This performance marked another milestone in a relentless climb that began with a silver medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and continued with golds at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and the Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile.
“I was a skinny basketball player. Definitely not the ideal build for hammer, but we got there,” Katzberg reminisced.
Katzberg’s journey began at the Nanaimo Track and Field Club, where he participated in various disciplines but had a particular interest in basketball. He played post and forward for the John Barsby Bulldogs in high school. His introduction to hammer throw came through watching his older sister, Jessica, who was coached by their father, Bernie Katzberg, a well-known track and field mentor in Nanaimo.
“My dad was Coach No. 1. He learned everything he could about the hammer throw to coach my sister and I. His development side of things was really incredible for a dad just kind of wanting to help his kids,” Katzberg said. “My dad just kept coaching us through high school until Dylan Armstrong. We were a track and field family. The Nanaimo Track and Field Club is what started it all. It’s really great to support Nanaimo and the track club there. I did every sport growing up. I don’t know why my sister fell into hammer and then I fell in love with it.”
Katzberg’s dedication and passion for the sport have indeed paid off. At 22, he became the youngest Olympic hammer-throw gold medallist, and his victory marks the first Olympic gold for Canada in this event. It is also the first Olympic medal for Canada in hammer throw since Duncan Gillis won silver at the Stockholm Olympics in 1912.
Katzberg’s gold medal was one of three medals won by Vancouver Island or Island-based athletes at the Paris Olympic Games. The Langford-based women’s rugby sevens team and the North Cowichan-based women’s rowing eight both secured silver medals, contributing to Canada’s overall success at the games.
As Katzberg stood on the podium, the Canadian national anthem playing, the significance of his achievement began to sink in. He had not only made history for his country but also inspired a new generation of athletes in Nanaimo and beyond. His journey from a skinny basketball player to an Olympic champion is a testament to the power of dedication, passion, and the unwavering support of family and community.
In the aftermath of his victory, Katzberg reflected on the impact of his achievement. “It’s not just about me,” he said. “It’s about everyone who has supported me along the way – my family, my coaches, my teammates, and everyone back home in Nanaimo. This gold medal belongs to all of us.”
Looking ahead, Katzberg’s future in hammer throw appears brighter than ever. With his combination of technique, strength, and determination, he is poised to continue dominating the sport on the world stage. His Olympic triumph is not just a personal victory but a milestone for Canadian athletics, inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams with the same fervor and commitment.
As the celebrations continue and the world marvels at his record-breaking throw, Ethan Katzberg remains grounded, focused, and ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. His journey is far from over, and his story is one of inspiration, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. For Katzberg, the Paris Olympics are just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary career in the hammer throw, and his legacy as an Olympic champion will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
