As the World Athletics Awards 2024 nominations roll in, Ethan Katzberg stands as a distinguished nominee for Men's Field Athlete of the Year, showcasing a remarkable journey that has captivated the athletics community. His accomplishments this year, particularly his exceptional performances leading up to and during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, highlight his status as one of the world's top hammer throwers.
Katzberg kicked off his 2024 season with a bang, launching an incredible throw of 84.38 meters at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, Kenya, on April 20. This remarkable achievement not only set a new Canadian and NACAC (North America, Central America, and Caribbean) area record but also marked the longest hammer throw by anyone since 2008. With this throw, Katzberg catapulted himself into ninth place on the all-time list.
After securing a spot on his first Canadian Olympic team, Katzberg entered the hammer throw competition at the Paris 2024 Games as the top contender. He lived up to expectations, finishing first in the qualification round. In the final, his opening throw of 84.12 meters came close to the Olympic record of 84.80 meters. Displaying remarkable consistency, Katzberg was the only athlete to throw beyond 80 meters, securing the gold medal by a wide margin of 4.15 meters.
This victory was historic, as it was Canada's first hammer throw medal since Duncan Gillis' silver in 1912. Katzberg's win also completed a remarkable Canadian sweep of the hammer throw events, following Camryn Rogers' triumph in the women's competition.
Following his gold medal moment, Katzberg had the distinct honour of being named Canada's co-flagbearer alongside triple gold medalist swimmer Summer McIntosh. This recognition reflected not only his individual success but also the pride of representing Canada in a year filled with nothing but excellence. His achievements this year promise even more exciting feats in the future.
Here are the other nominees:
Ryan Crouser, USA: Olympic Shot Put Champion, World Indoor Shot Put Champion
Jordan Alejandro Diaz Fortun, Spain: Olympic Triple Jump Champion, World Leader
Mondo Duplantis, Sweden: Olympic Pole Vault Champion, World Record
Miltiadis Tentoglou, Greece: Olympic Long Jump Champion, World Indoor Long Jump Champion