6 August: Canada has marked a significant milestone in athletics, with Camryn Rogers winning the country’s first-ever medal in women’s hammer throw at the Paris Olympics. Rogers, hailing from Richmond, B.C., clinched the gold with a throw of 76.97 meters on her fourth attempt, a distance no other competitor could surpass. Her victory has added a new event to the list of sports Canada excels in at the Olympics.
Rogers entered the competition as a favorite and did not disappoint. Her winning throw not only secured her a place on the top podium but also established her as a dominant force in the event. In addition to her gold medal performance, she had earlier thrown the second-farthest distance of 74.69 meters in the qualification round.
The 29-year-old athlete’s victory is a continuation of her remarkable journey. This is her second Olympic appearance, having finished fifth in the women’s hammer throw final at the previous Games, where she became the first Canadian woman to reach that stage. Rogers is currently the top-ranked hammer thrower globally, with a silver medal from the 2022 World Championships and a gold medal from last year’s event, making her the only Canadian woman to achieve such feats in the hammer throw at the world level.
Rogers’ triumph also holds historical significance as she is the first Canadian woman to win gold in athletics at the Olympics since the legendary “Matchless Six” who competed in the 1928 Games. Her achievement is a testament to her dedication and prowess, and it brings pride to Canada’s athletic community.
Adding to Canada’s glory in hammer throw, Ethan Katzberg, another British Columbian, won gold in the men’s event just two days prior, making it the first time a Canadian has medaled in the men’s hammer throw since 1912. Rogers’ and Katzberg’s victories signify a remarkable era for Canada in Olympic athletics, with the country now leading in both the men’s and women’s hammer throw events.
