Why Olympic hammer‑throw champion Ethan Katzberg finished last in Budapest

Reigning Olympic and two‑time world champion Ethan Katzberg entered the first World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest as a favorite, but he finished last out of eight competitors after two failed throws.

The competition uses a four‑round format. After the first two rounds only the top six athletes are allowed additional attempts. Katzberg’s two no‑throw attempts meant he did not qualify for the final round.

Katzberg explained that the throwing circle had become slick from light rain. “I should have wiped the circle because it was slick and I slipped on the start of my throw,” he said, adding that the slip ruined his rhythm.

His experience shows how a seemingly minor detail – a wet or un‑clean circle – can have a huge impact when the rules allow only a limited number of attempts. In a tight elimination format, one slip can turn a champion into a non‑finisher.

German hammer‑thrower Merlin Hummel took the gold with a best throw of 81.46 metres, while Katzberg’s day ended without a legal mark despite his recent dominance on the world stage.

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