From Island Local to World Champ: Ethan Katzberg’s Journey Through the Victoria Track Classic

Photo by Kevin Light

Back in June 2022 at the Victoria Track Classic, fans at Centennial Stadium watched a 20-year-old Ethan Katzberg throw the hammer with a mix of focus and raw power. He finished third that night with a mark of 71.94m — a moment that now feels like the beginning of something special.

Less than two years later, Katzberg captured the world’s attention. In Budapest, he became the youngest men’s hammer world champion with a throw of 81.25m. Then in Paris 2024, he struck gold again with an incredible 84.12m, giving Canada its first Olympic title in a throwing event in more than a century.

Now, as he prepares to defend his title in Tokyo this September, the journey from a small meet in Victoria to the top of the world is complete.

Victoria saw the promise first. Now the world knows his name.