Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Anthony Corea

A GOLDEN WELCOME

Kamloops celebrates gold medalists Katzberg, Stewart

Sep 23, 2024 | 1:44 PM

KAMLOOPS – Gold medalists Ethan Katzberg and Greg Stewart got a warm welcome back to Kamloops Saturday afternoon (Sept. 21) at the Tournament Capital Centre. The duo was recognized for their accomplishments at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris — a life-changing experience in the eyes of Katzberg.

“It’s incredibly special and the moment’s going to be with me forever,” said Katzberg, who took the gold medal in hammer throw. “A lot of moments are going to be with me. It’s been an incredible roller coaster ride. It’s the highs of winning and flag-bearing and then learning how to relax after and try to get some time to step away from it a little bit. I’m now on vacation and trying to recover for the next season — but it was truly incredible.”

There was plenty of hard work and training done to work their way to the top and win gold for their country. Both athletes recognize everything the city of Kamloops has given them during their journey.

“Being an Interior town you don’t get that same demographics, you don’t get that same population,” said Stewart, who came out of retirement to dominate shot put at the Paralympics. “Like the deputy mayor of Kamloops said, we are creating incredible athletes coming out of this. That’s one thing that I’ve recognized or experienced now is one of the best ways to become one of the best is to have an incredible community and family around you and that is exactly what Kamloops creates.”

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Former Olympic medalist and current coach Dylan Armstrong was also recognized by the community for being a crucial part of Katzberg’s gold medal in Paris. He spoke in glowing terms of how hard the 22-year-old from Nanaimo worked to get to this point.

“It’s intense, for sure. I think we’ve probably traveled right around 18 countries this year, maybe more,” said Armstrong. “It’s a bit of a rockstar lifestyle, right? Planes, trains, and automobiles. But, that’s part of the business and part of the plan and I think, obviously, Ethan did a great job of executing that this year.”

The event wrapped up with both Olympians taking pictures and signing autographs for fans of all ages. A small break before the work starts back up preparing for Los Angeles 2028.