Ethan Katzberg Named CP Male Athlete of the Year Following Historic Olympic Win
Olympic hammer throw champion Ethan Katzberg has been named the CP Male Athlete of the Year for 2024 following his historic gold medal win at the Paris Olympics. He is the first Canadian to win Olympic gold in the hammer throw, receiving 17 votes to edge out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Connor McDavid. Katzberg’s dedication and impact on the sport are notable, as he engages with youth across Canada to inspire future generations.
Ethan Katzberg, the Olympic hammer throw champion, has been awarded the Canadian Press (CP) Male Athlete of the Year for 2024 following his historic achievement at the Paris Olympics. At just 22 years of age, Katzberg made history by securing Canada’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in the hammer throw event and the nation’s first medal in this discipline since 1912. He garnered 17 out of the 56 votes cast, narrowly surpassing Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, who received 14 and 13 votes respectively.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Katzberg remarked, “That’s incredible. Those are two highly achieving athletes who have done incredibly well in their respective sports. That’s really cool.” The Canadian Press has been honoring outstanding athletes since 1932, with past recipients including hockey stars Sidney Crosby and Carey Price, as well as basketball legend Steve Nash.
Phil King of The Globe and Mail noted, “There are not many hammer throwers in the world. It’s an almost-obsolete sport, but Katzberg showed what years of lonely dedication can do.” Katzberg emphasized that his journey leading to the Olympics was characterized by unwavering dedication and a singular focus on achieving success in Paris. His event-winning throw of 84.12 meters was a testament to his hard work, as he noted, “It was 150 per cent dedication to Paris…then, having that one moment to show all the work we put in…it was a lot of emotions, a lot of energy. It was an incredibly special moment.”
Katzberg’s accomplishment, along with the gold won by fellow Canadian Camryn Rogers in the women’s hammer throw, has sparked increased interest in the sport across Canada. Katzberg expressed genuine happiness over this development, stating, “That puts a smile on my face…that a lot of athletes realize they can have that impact on the younger generation.” Shortly after his victory, he continued to engage in training, ultimately participating in the closing ceremonies of the Olympics as a flag-bearer alongside fellow athlete Summer McIntosh.
Besides competing, Katzberg has actively shared his Olympic gold medal experience with students and supporters, allowing them to hold and take photographs with the medal. This endeavor has been deeply fulfilling for him, as he stated, “It’s kind of a way to make it tangible…I really enjoy that.” He has taken time to reflect on his achievements and is gradually navigating the transition into the post-Olympic phase of his career, fueled by his passion for hammer throw.
Ethan Katzberg, a hammer thrower from Nanaimo, British Columbia, achieved a remarkable milestone by winning Canada’s first gold medal in the hammer throw at the 2024 Paris Olympics, an event that had not historically yielded medals for the country since 1912. The Canadian Press Male Athlete of the Year award recognizes exceptional performances by athletes across the nation, and Katzberg’s victory has not only made headlines but also brought attention to an often-overlooked sport. With a legacy of previous male winners from various sports, Katzberg’s award signifies a shift in recognition towards lesser-followed athletics like the hammer throw. His story highlights the importance of dedication, inspiration, and the favorable impact an athlete can have on younger generations in pursuing sports.
Ethan Katzberg’s recognition as the CP Male Athlete of the Year for 2024 stands as a testament to his historic achievement in hammer throw, making him a national icon in a previously obscure sporting discipline. His dedication and focus led to an Olympic gold medal that has inspired a resurgence of interest in hammer throw across Canada. Katzberg embraces sharing his Olympic experience and medal with others, underscoring the powerful impact athletes can have on future generations. His journey illustrates not only personal success but also the broader influence of sports in cultivating passion and dedication within youth.
Original Source: www.cbc.ca
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