Olympic hammer throw champion Ethan Katzberg wins CP male athlete of the year
In a historic turn of events, hammer thrower Ethan Katzberg clinched the prestigious title of The Canadian Press male athlete of the award in 2024, thanks to his groundbreaking performance at the Paris Olympics. Katzberg made history by becoming Canada’s first Olympic champion in the hammer throw event since 1912, a feat that garnered him 17 out of 56 votes from sports editors, producers, and reporters across the country. This narrow victory edged out tough competition from last year’s winner, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and hockey star Connor McDavid.
Reflecting on his win, Katzberg expressed his awe at being recognized alongside such accomplished athletes, stating, “That’s incredible. Those are two highly achieving athletes who have done incredibly well in their respective sports. That’s really cool.” The Canadian Press has been honoring outstanding male and female athletes since 1932, with past male recipients including hockey icons Sidney Crosby and Carey Price, basketball star Steve Nash, and track and field standouts Donovan Bailey, Andre De Grasse, and Damian Warner.
Katzberg’s journey to Olympic gold was marked by unwavering dedication and perseverance. The 22-year-old from Nanaimo, B.C., dominated the Olympic final with a monumental throw of 84.12 meters, securing his place at the top of the podium. This achievement, coupled with compatriot Camryn Rogers’ gold in the women’s hammer throw, sparked a renewed interest in the sport across Canada, inspiring a new generation of aspiring athletes.
Following his historic win, Katzberg wasted no time in returning to training in Slovakia before joining fellow Olympians at the closing ceremonies in Paris. As he and swimmer Summer McIntosh proudly carried the flag for Canada, Katzberg reflected on the surreal experience, sharing, “To walk into the stadium holding the flag with another very accomplished athlete and kind of have a moment where I’m like, ‘OK, that was my Olympic experience,’ I kind of could take it all in.”
After taking a well-deserved break in September to recharge and reflect on his achievements, Katzberg remains focused on his passion for hammer throw. He continues to inspire others by sharing his gold medal at various events and celebrations, allowing fans and supporters to experience the joy and pride of his remarkable accomplishment. As he looks towards the future, Katzberg is determined to maintain his dedication and push himself to new heights in the sport he loves.
In conclusion, Ethan Katzberg’s historic win at the Paris Olympics not only secured his place in Canadian sports history but also served as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes nationwide. Through his hard work, determination, and unwavering passion for hammer throw, Katzberg has proven that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.
