How skillful timing led to rapid rise for world champion hammer thrower Ethan Katzberg

It all happened in the blink of an eye for hammer thrower Ethan Katzberg.

The Nanaimo, B.C., native enjoyed a breakout season for the ages in 2023. From a 76-metre thrower with a Commonwealth Games silver in 2022, Katzberg became a Canadian, world, and Pan American Games champion this year, smashing records along the way.

"It came up pretty quick for me," the 21-year-old said. "It was just, you know, I was kind of in the mix and then all of a sudden I was at the top of the mix, which is pretty unbelievable for me."

"Coming off of Commonwealth, we had a good debrief and the goal was to try and get him to another level," Katzberg's coach Dylan Armstrong added.

"Our goal is to try and win and stay on top."

WATCH | Katzberg discusses journey in hammer throw:

The credit, Katzberg says, goes to Armstrong, the 2008 Olympic shot put bronze medallist from Kamloops, B.C.

"That's thanks to some really great coaching and determination on my end, as well as Dylan's end and just putting in some really good work," Katzberg said. "How much more could I have asked for this season in regards to results and all of that."

But he shattered James Steacy's national record of 79.13 from 2008, with an 81.18 in the qualifying round at worlds before upping that mark to 81.25 in the final. He currently owns the top three national bests, including his Pan Am record of 80.96 last Saturday.

Katzberg made history as the youngest men's hammer throw world champion, the youngest medallist ever in the event, and the first Canadian man to reach the podium in the event at worlds.

His skill in timing his peak performance sets him apart — an achievement many track and field athletes aspire to but often struggle to accomplish.

Armstrong notes that it's part