The last time a Canadian woman won track and field gold at the Olympics was quite some time ago, back in 1928. That year, Canada celebrated victories in the high jump and the women's 4x100 relay at the Amsterdam Games, the first Olympics to allow female competition. Now, nearly a century later, Canada can add the hammer throw to that golden list, thanks to the incredible performance of Camryn Rogers.
Rogers, a native of Richmond, B.C., made history by becoming the first Canadian woman to medal in the women's hammer throw at the Olympics. Entering the event as a favorite, Rogers did not disappoint. She clinched the gold medal with a throw of 76.97 meters on her fifth attempt, a distance no other competitor could surpass. Nneka Annette Echikunwoke of the U.S. and China's Jie Zhao joined her on the podium, but it was Rogers who stood tallest.
This victory was not just a flash of brilliance but the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Rogers had previously made history at the Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first Canadian woman to advance to the final in the women's hammer throw, where she finished fifth. She entered the Paris Games as the top-ranked hammer thrower in the world, having won silver at the 2022 World Championships and gold at the 2023 World Championships. She is the first and only Canadian woman to medal at the World Championships in the hammer throw.
Taking a step back, Rogers' journey to Olympic gold began as a young girl when she joined the Kajaks Track and Field Club in Richmond. Coached initially by Richard Collier and later by Garrett Collier, she honed her skills and developed a passion for the sport. Her talent and determination led her to the University of California, Berkeley, where she was coached by Mo Saatara. Under Saatara's guidance, Rogers continued to excel, setting records and earning accolades.
Her gold medal in Paris is a testament to her perseverance and the support of her coaches and teammates throughout her career. With her win, Canada also celebrated a rare double victory in the hammer throw, as fellow British Columbian Ethan Katzberg took home gold in the men's event just two days earlier. Katzberg's victory marked the first time a Canadian had won an Olympic medal in the men's hammer throw since 1912, adding to the country's impressive achievements on the field.
Camryn Rogers' triumph in Paris is more than just a personal achievement; it's a historic moment for Canadian athletics. As she stood on the podium, the gold medal around her neck, Rogers reminded the world of Canada's rich sporting heritage and its bright future in the hammer throw.