Camryn Rogers wins women’s hammer throw for 2nd Kuortane Games title in 3 years

Canadian hammer thrower Camryn Rogers continued her winning streak on Saturday at the 86th Kuortane Games in Finland. Rogers, the reigning world and Olympic champion, outperformed her friends and Finnish teammates Krista Tervo and Silja Kosonen to secure the victory in the women’s event.

Rogers achieved a throw of 76.45 metres, narrowly surpassing Tervo’s distance of 76.98 metres. Kosonen finished in third place with a throw of 72.90 metres. Despite falling just short of her stadium record set two years ago, Rogers showcased her dominance in the hammer throw event.

The 26-year-old athlete from Richmond, B.C. faced some challenges during the competition, fouling on her first attempt. However, she quickly recovered and delivered her best throw on the following try. Rogers also faced another foul on her fifth attempt, but it did not hinder her overall performance.

Earlier in the week, Rogers also emerged victorious at the 68th Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, where she overcame three fouls to achieve a top throw of 74.59 metres. With her consistent success in recent competitions, Rogers is now preparing for the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League event in Eugene, Oregon on July 5.

Throughout the season, Rogers has demonstrated her exceptional talent with a best throw of 78.14 metres and a personal best of 78.62 metres. Her impressive track record includes winning the Olympic gold medal last year in Paris, as well as securing her first world championship title in 2023 after earning silver the previous year.

In a separate event, middle-distance runner Gabriela DeBues-Stafford showcased her own impressive performance at the Troyes International Athletics Meeting in France. The Toronto native finished second in the women’s 1,500 metres with a time of 4:03.64. DeBues-Stafford has been making a strong comeback from injuries and has been consistently excelling in her races.

DeBues-Stafford’s recent successes include wins in Turku and Belgium with times of 4:02 and 4:03.81, respectively. As she continues her comeback journey, DeBues-Stafford is focused on maintaining her training regimen and improving her performance in preparation for the World Athletics Championships in September.

Despite facing challenges such as stress fractures and issues with her sacroiliac joint in the past few years, DeBues-Stafford remains determined to achieve her goals in both the 1,500 and 5,000-metre events. Her dedication and perseverance serve as a testament to her resilience and commitment to excellence in athletics.

As both Rogers and DeBues-Stafford continue to excel in their respective events, fans can look forward to witnessing their future achievements on the track. Their passion for their sport and unwavering determination are sure to inspire aspiring athletes and enthusiasts alike.