Ethan Katzberg (L) poses with coach Dylan Armstrong (R) after setting the Canadian record in the U20 hammer throw in May. (NTFC)

By Dan Marshall

Canadian Record

Nanaimo’s Ethan Katzberg sets Canadian hammer throw record twice in one month

Jun 3, 2021 | 11:18 AM

NANAIMO — A former member of the Nanaimo Track and Field club is now Canada’s record holder in the Men’s U20 hammer throw.

Ethan Katzberg set the record in early May with a throw of 75.60 metres.

The John Barsby grad then eclipsed his own record with a 77.97m throw on May 23 in Kamloops.

“I didn’t expect it would be that far,” Katzberg commented. “Setting a Canadian record is really nice. I’m training seven to eight times a week and my commitment now is stronger than ever.”

Prior to 2021, the national U20 record was held by Rowan Hamilton at 75.35m.

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Katzberg’s most recent toss not only puts him in the record books but vaults him to number three in the world rankings for his age category.

In the fall of 2020, Katzberg left Nanaimo to study at Thompson Rivers University and train with coach Dylan Armstrong in Kamloops.

He’s added 11 metres to his throws during his time in the BC interior.

“I’m training with people who have been through the system and have been to the Olympics multiple times. They’re able to get me to where I need to be and the facilities are wonderful.”

Katzberg has his sights set on being a Canadian Olympian but is immediately focused on the senior nationals in Montreal at the end of June.

In the event he’ll be throwing a heavier weight and competing against older athletes.

If COVID restrictions allow Katzberg will attend the U20 World Championships in Nairobi, Kenya this August.

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