CANADA’S KATZBERG BREAKS PAN AMERICAN HAMMER THROW RECORD TWICE IN ONE DAY

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Canada’s hammer thrower Ethan Katzberg surpassed 80 meters for the first time in Pan American Games history.

The current world champion in men’s hammer throw, Ethan Katzberg, broke the Pan American record twice in the same day, first with a mark of 80.02 meters on his first attempt, and then with a throw of 80.96 meters, ultimately earning him the gold in the competition. With this performance, Canada surpassed the record held by United States Kibwe Johnson, which stood at 79.63 meters, set in Guadalajara 2011.

“Once you win something good, you just want to keep doing it. So that’s what I want to do. There were good competitors today; the Americans showed up and did really well. It was a fun and exciting competition,” said Ethan Katzberg.

The 21-year-old athlete secured Canada’s fourth gold medal in athletics and the 46th gold medal in the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.

The silver medal went to American Daniel Haugh, with a throw of 77.62 meters on his sixth attempt. Meanwhile, the bronze medal was claimed by his compatriot Rudy Winkler, with a fifth-round throw of 76.65 meters.

U.S. JAVELIN TRAVELS THE FARTHEST

In the men’s javelin throw, American Curtis Thompson won gold with a throw of 79.65 meters on his last and sixth attempt, giving him his first Pan American gold medal of his career.

“I’m excited to bring the medal home, I dedicate it to my family, my team, and especially my coach. They’ve supported me throughout the year and my entire career. I’m glad to represent so many people and a whole country,” said Curtis Thompson.

The silver medal went to Brazilian Pedro Nunes, who achieved a mark of 78.45 meters on his second throw, while the bronze medal was earned by Leslain Baird of Guyana, with a throw of 78.23 meters.

With his performance, Baird secured a third medal for his country. Guyana’s victories were achieved in athletics, with a silver medal in the women’s 100 meters and a bronze in the men’s 100 meters.

Written by Daniela Abarzua