Ethan Katzberg wins Canada’s first gold at 2023 World Athletics Championships

Nanaimo, B.C.’s Ethan Katzberg has won Canada’s first gold medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, in the men’s hammer throw. He is the first Canadian man to win a world championship medal in the hammer throw event.

On the second-to-last throw, Katzberg etched his name into Canadian history by recording a personal best and national record of 81.25 metres, astonishing the Hungarian crowd. He surged ahead of Poland’s Wojciech Nowicki and Hungary’s Bence Halasz and into the gold medal position.

“I knew it was going to be a significant throw when it left my hands, but I had no idea it would reach 81.25m,” said Katzberg, who established two national records on his way to the top of the podium. “To win gold in a country renowned for the hammer throw and in front of a huge crowd—it’s special.”

Everyone wants to know what inspired the look of World Champion 🇨🇦Ethan Katzberg🥇#TeamCanada #WABudapest23 pic.twitter.com/E7gWA8mpHK

— Canadian Running (@CanadianRunning) August 20, 2023

Upon learning of his victory, Katzberg swiftly made his way to his coach, Canadian Olympian Dylan Armstrong, to celebrate the triumph.

“Dylan has been my coach, but he’s also been my mentor and someone I’ve looked up to,” says Katzberg. “He and Anatolij Bondarčuk have shared so much knowledge with me, and they have prepared me well for this moment.”

Katzberg ventured into the hammer throw seven years ago, after watching his sister compete in the event. He was coached by his dad for several years until Armstrong took him under his wing in Kamloops, B.C.

Last year at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Camryn Rogers won silver in the women’s hammer throw, becoming the first Canadian to earn a medal in the event.

The 2023 World Athletics Championships are taking place from August 19-27 at the National Stadium in Budapest, Hungary. All the action will be brought to you by Canadian Running and Asics Canada. Follow us on Twitter on Instagram for all things Team Canada and up-to-date exclusive news and content.