Canadian Ethan Katzberg hasn’t missed a beat after winning Olympic hammer throw gold last year.
The native of Nanaimo, B.C., recorded a 2025 world-leading distance of 82.73 metres to easily win the Kip Keino Classic on Saturday in Nairobi, Kenya.
Katzberg’s throw was more than six metres better than runner-up Matija Greguric of Croatia (76.68).
“Kenya feels like a second home. I started off my career here and that is why I love coming back plus I also keep posting good results here,” Katzberg said, per the Kip Keino Classic.
“I did not expect to set a world lead here but I love how my season is shaping. Last year, I threw my personal best (in Kenya) and won gold at the Olympics.”
It was Katzberg’s third win in as many events this year.
The distance was a bit off his personal best (84.38), set at last year’s Kip Keino meet. Katzberg, 23, threw 84.12 to win Olympic gold in Paris and 81.25 to capture the world championships gold in 2023.
Katzberg and swim star Summer McIntosh were Canada’s flag-bearers at the closing ceremony in Paris.
The 2025 track and field worlds are Sept. 13-21 in Tokyo.