Ethan Katzberg is back-to-back hammer throw World Champion

Image Credit: Athletics Canada

Ethan Katzberg once again proved he’s the best in the world. The Kamloops-trained hammer thrower captured gold at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, winning the men’s final with a championship record of 84.70 metres. It marks his second straight world title after first winning in 2023, and adds to the Olympic gold he claimed in Paris last summer.

The 23-year-old delivered one of the most dominant performances the event has ever seen, with all six of his legal throws landing beyond the 81-metre mark. His winning throw came on his final attempt, sending the stadium into celebration as he extended his lead and secured Canada’s place on top of the podium. Germany’s Merlin Hummel finished second with 82.77 metres and Hungary’s Bence Halász claimed bronze at 82.69.

Katzberg grew up in Nanaimo before moving to Kamloops to train with the Kamloops Track and Field Club under coach Dylan Armstrong. Since then, he has become one of Canada’s most recognizable athletes, rising from a teenage prospect to back-to-back world champion. His success has brought international attention to Kamloops’ strong track and field program and added to the city’s reputation as a hub for elite throwers.