Ethan Katzberg Wins 2024 Canadian Press Male Athlete Award
Olympic Hammer Throw Champion Recognized For Historic Gold Medal Performance
The world of athletics is abuzz following the announcement of Ethan Katzberg, the 22-year-old hammer thrower from Nanaimo, B.C., as the 2024 Canadian Press Male Athlete of the Year. This prestigious recognition is largely attributed to his groundbreaking achievement at the recent Paris Olympics, where Katzberg captured Canada’s first gold medal in men’s hammer throw and the nation’s first medal in this event since the 1912 Olympics.
Katzberg made history with his impressive first throw, reaching 84.12 meters, far exceeding the closest competitor, who failed to break the 80-meter mark. This victory at the Olympic Games not only etched his name in the record books but also showcased the culmination of years of dedication and sacrifice required to excel at such a high level.
Upon receiving this accolade, Katzberg expressed his gratitude, saying, “That’s incredible. Those are two highly achieving athletes who have done incredibly well in their respective sports. That's really cool.” His statement acknowledges the tough competition he faced, particularly from the previous year's winner, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and fellow star Connor McDavid, who both impressed with their performances.
Voting for the award saw Katzberg securing 17 votes out of 56 cast by sports editors, producers, and reporters across Canada. Gilgeous-Alexander amassed 14 votes, and McDavid received 13, indicating how closely contested this year's selection was.
Katzberg’s triumph is historic and significant, marking the first time Canada has celebrated gold success in the hammer throw event at the Olympic Games. His achievement has ignited interest and enthusiasm for the sport throughout Canada, paralleling the success of Camryn Rogers, who also won gold at the same Olympics but in the women's category.
Reflecting on the intense preparation leading up to the Games, Katzberg noted, “It was 150 per cent dedication to Paris, right? There wasn’t a lot of focus on anything else.” The physical and emotional toll he underwent to prepare for the Olympics is evident; the lone dedication and hard work paid off significantly.
The Canadian Press has awarded the Male Athlete of the Year honor since 1932, with past recipients including some of Canada's greatest athletes, such as Sidney Crosby and Steve Nash. Such recognition places Katzberg among this elite company, underscoring the magnitude of his achievement.
The nomination has also brought attention to what Katzberg describes as “an almost-obsolete sport.” Phil King from The Globe and Mail highlighted not just Katzberg’s performance but his role as “an inspiration to athletes around the globe to keep trying, no matter how obscure your sport is.” This sentiment embodies the spirit of perseverance largely inherent within the world of sports.
Three days post-Olympics, Katzberg was already back training, demonstrating his innately competitive nature and commitment to improving. He returned to Paris for the Olympic closing ceremonies, where he was honored as one of the flag-bearers, standing beside record-setting swimmer Summer McIntosh. His six-foot-seven frame and distinctive moustache made him particularly noticeable, but it was his accomplishments on the field of play earning him such recognition.
Once again reflecting on the moment, Katzberg said, “To walk there with another very accomplished athlete and kind of have a moment where I'm like, ‘OK, this was my Olympic experience,’ I could take it all in. And it was really special to me.” A small mishap occurred as they entered the stadium, highlighting the levity of the moment as Katzberg humorously recalled hitting a volunteer with their waving flag. "That was the dry run, I guess," he said, showcasing his lighthearted nature.
Taking time off post-Olympics, Katzberg expressed the unique struggles of transitioning from such pressure. “Building so long toward this one moment and then having it... what do I do afterwards?” He explained the importance of recharging, to reconnect with friends and loved ones.
A passionate advocate for the sport, Katzberg has since shared his Olympic gold medal with youths and aspiring athletes across Canada. “It’s kind of way to make it tangible,” he noted about his engagements where he allows people the chance to take photos with the medal, relishing the joy it brings others. “Doing a talk and passing it around the room, and everyone gets to take a photo... that's pretty special.”
This ability to inspire proves pivotal as Canada embraces the growing interest in hammer throw following Katzberg and Rogers' exemplary performances. Athletes like him pave the way for future generations, building enthusiasm and engagement through their successes.
Through his remarkable achievement, Ethan Katzberg has not merely triumphed personally but has also spurred forward the trajectories of countless young sports aspirants across the country, all eager to follow him on the path of their Olympic dreams.
