Ethan Katzberg of Nanaimo, B.C., has added another major championship title to his growing legacy, winning Commonwealth Games gold with a record-setting hammer throw in Scotland. The Olympic champion delivered a statement performance at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow on Monday, opening the competition with a massive 80.97-metre throw, a mark that secured the gold medal and set a new Commonwealth Games record. The 24-year-old Katzberg’s winning toss was nearly four metres farther than the silver-medal performance from Iosif Kesidis of Cyprus, who finished with a throw of 76.97 metres. Canadian Rowan Hamilton completed the podium, earning bronze with a 75.36-metre throw. The victory was especially meaningful for Katzberg, who earned his first senior national team experience at the Commonwealth Games and won silver at the previous edition of the event. “The Commonwealth Games holds a special place in my heart,” Katzberg said. “It’s the first senior team I was on, first senior medal. I took silver at the last one, so to come back here and win the gold is incredibly special.” Katzberg said he knew immediately his opening throw was going to be difficult for his competitors to match, but he stayed focused throughout the competition and continued trying to improve. Although he was unable to surpass that first attempt, he said the consistency of his series was something he was proud of. The gold medal also created a memorable moment for Canadian hammer throwing, with Katzberg and Hamilton sharing an international podium together for the first time. The pair have also become known for their similar appearance and their trademark moustaches, something Katzberg said has become a fun part of the sport’s culture. “There’s criteria for being a Canadian hammer thrower and the moustache is a part of the outfit,” he joked. Katzberg said the support between the Canadian throwers helps push them to perform at their best, with both athletes cheering each other on during competitions. “It’s really exciting.” The Commonwealth gold adds another chapter to Katzberg’s remarkable rise, following Olympic and world championship titles that have established the Nanaimo native as one of Canada’s top track and field athletes. After celebrating with family and teammates, Katzberg plans to return to Europe for a training camp as he prepares for the World Athletics Ultimate Championship later this year. For now, he said he is looking forward to enjoying the rest of the Commonwealth Games alongside his Canadian teammates, this time as a fan, cheering on the next group of athletes chasing gold.
