An Epic Weekend at the Gold Medal Hammer Camp

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Photo opportunity! Megan wearing the olympic gold medals with our olympians: Camryn, Rowan and Ethan. (Ultra Throw)

This past September 19-20, Ultra Throw athletes had the privilege of attending the Gold Medal Hammer Camp, hosted by BC Throws Project and BC Athletics—a true highlight for anyone passionate about the sport. The weekend was packed with incredible insights, guidance, and hands-on training from some of Canada’s top throwers, making it an unforgettable experience for all.

In attendance from Ultra Throw was Robbin Whachell, Shawn Stevens, Megan Teolis and Angelica Thiessen.

Megan and Angelica speak to the olympians and request autographs (Photo: Ultra Throw)

Meet & Greet with Olympians: A Night to Remember
The weekend kicked off with a Meet & Greet and Q&A session at Trinity Western University in Langley. We had the incredible opportunity to hear from Olympians Camryn Rogers, Ethan Katzberg, and Rowan Hamilton, who shared personal insights into their journeys and training philosophies. A standout moment was learning about Ethan Katzberg’s training regimen with his coach, Dylan Armstrong—highlighting the level of discipline, technique, and persistence required to reach the top.

Megan in the circle (Photo: BC Athletics)

Clinic Day at McLeod Athletic Park
The next day, we headed to McLeod Athletic Park for the hands-on clinic portion of the Gold Medal Hammer Camp. Although the weather was a bit wet, it didn’t dampen the spirits of UltraThrow athletes or the seasoned BC athletes who know how to power through! Dylan Armstrong, along with Camryn, Ethan, Rowan, and the dedicated crew from BC Athletics, led an impactful day of drills, throwing techniques, and individualized coaching, providing UltraThrow athletes, both young and experienced, with invaluable tips to refine their hammer throws.

angelica in the circle (Photo: BC Athletics)

A Huge Thanks to the Team
A heartfelt thank you to Dylan Armstrong, Camryn Rogers, Ethan Katzberg, Rowan Hamilton, and the whole BC Athletics crew for organizing such a memorable camp. This weekend reinforced why we love the hammer throw—its challenges, rewards, and the incredible community that supports it.

We’re beyond grateful for the opportunity to learn from the best. Here’s to applying what we learned, training hard, and reaching new heights!

Coach Dylan Armstrong explains technique and Ethan Katzberg demonstrates in the circle. (Photo: Ultra Throw)

Megan and Angelica were two of our youth athletes in attendance. (Photo: Ultra Throw)

2023 Ultra Throw Club Achievements

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recipient, Alan Coles recieves the inaugural S. Baghel Singh Toor Memorial Trophy for 2023 (highest throws triathlon scored in Ultra Throw meets). The trophy is sponsored by Desert Hills Estate Winery, and was presented by Dave McDonald, Founder, Ultra Throw. (Langley, BC)

We are proud to acknowledge the exceptional athletic achievements of our Ultra Throw members.

Several of our dedicated athletes were presented with prestigious awards in recognition of their outstanding performances and contributions to the sport.

These accolades serve as a testament to the unwavering commitment and skill of our athletes, reflecting the high standards of excellence upheld by Ultra Throw.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the award recipients and express our gratitude to all members for their continued dedication and hard work.

Harnek Toor receives the Challenge Trophy (aggregate throws pentathlon point total for Ultra Throw meets). The award was presented by Robbin Whachell, Ultra Throw Vice President. (Langley, BC)

Best 2023 scores in an individual throws pentathlon:

  • Harnek - 3339

  • Dave Ulis - 2827

  • Mohan Bains - 2725

For aggregate scores combining the two meets in throws pentathlon:

  • Harnek - 6253

  • Ken - 4486

  • Dave U - 2827

The new trophy is for top aggregate scores for the throws triathlon:

  • Alan Coles - 2361

  • Harnek - 1578

  • Mohan - 1577

Harnek Toor receives the Ultra Cup for 2023 (single highest throws pentathlon points scored in Ultra Throw meets). The award was sponsored by Alpha Mortgage House Corporation and was presented by Robbin Whachell, Ultra Throw Vice President. (Langley, BC)

Megan Teolis, our 'Youth Athlete of the Year' with her mother Tonya. The award was presented by Dave McDonald, founder of Ultra Throw.

First Ultra Throw Festival of 2023 Held

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Head official David short of bc athletics holds the red flag as other officials and Ultra Volunteers assist in measuring.

The weather forecast called for 100% chance of rain, but that did not stop the dedicated athletes, officials and organizers of the first Ultra Throw Festival for 2023 held on April 16 at McLeod Athletic Park in Langley.

Set up was early, and after an initial shower, the weather cleared for the hammer throw to get underway. It was only a few hours that the deluge began (along with wind), and it continued until the last implement was thrown in the afternoon.

Twenty-three competitors had registered, of which eleven were from the Ultra Throw Club. Twelve had come forward from other clubs with a few being unattached as well. It was commendable on the part of one seasoned athlete who came all the way from Quesnel to participate in the first meet of the season. James Dyer put in a thrilling performance under trying conditions.

With there being no let-up in the weather, five of the participants decided to avoid venturing into the rings. As such, there were only eighteen active participants who tried their prowess to challenge the chilly windy, and rainy conditions with circles full of water.

the throwing circle was full of water, but on they threw! seen here is James Dyer (80-84) from Quesnel.

Paige Wiancko competed for the first time as a member of Ultra Throw, as did Michael Lindsey.

Though the weather hampered most of the performances, the men did quite well in the shot put. Shawn Stevens (50-54) had a throw of 10.36 M, Rafal Czekajlo (55-59) with a throw of 11.33M, Michael Lindsey (60-64) with a throw of 10.80 M, and James Dyer (80-84) with a throw of 8.61 M tried to beat the weather conditions. In addition, James Dyer did quite well in Hammer Throw (32.89 M), Weight Throw (12.74 M) and the Super Weight Throw (8.41 M). Mathe Sturrock (Open) did very well in the Hammer Throw with a performance of 40.67 M and in Weight Throw with a heave of 11.47 M. Deven Marrero(17-18 yrs) was the cynosure of attraction with a throw of 59.07 M in Hammer Throw.

By and large, the lady participants outshone their male counterparts with Caroline (50-54) leading the charge with sterling performances in Hammer Throw (37.69 M), Shot Put (9.12 M), Discus Throw (23.39 M), Weight Throw (9.09 M) and the Throws Pentathlon with a score of 2445 points. Celina Wong (60-64) did quite well in Hammer Throw (31.43 M), Weight Throw (10.59 M) and the Super Weight Throw (7.54 M). Paige (35-39) did quite well in Hammer Throw(26.83 M) and the Super Weight Throw (3.28 M). Keratin Dhillon(17-18 yrs)braving the slippery conditions did quite well in the Discus Throw(34.28 M).

Ultra Throw would like to thank the officials of BC Athletics for their perseverance through difficult conditions. Dave Short and his team conducted the meet with clockwork precision.

Competitors of the Shot put throw. Left to right: Caroline, Manjit, Saroop, Mohan, Harnek and Ken.

Near the end of the day, Betsy Rollins presented David Short with a BC Athletics 15-year pin, and Dave McDonald with a 5-year pin.

With a busy throwing season upon us, Ultra Throw’s next event will take place in late summer, hopefully under idyllic weather conditions.

Early morning start at Mcleod Athletic Park

Flight 2 Hammer Throwers: Shawn, Paige, Devon, Celina and matthew.

Betsy Rollins presents David Short with a BC Athletics 15-year pin, and Dave McDonald with a 5-year pin.

Ultra Throw Lifetime Membership Awarded to Club Inspiration

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Dave McDonald (right) presents the "Ultra Supporter of the Year" award to Ken Townsend in memory of his wife Gladys.

We’re pleased to announce that Ken Townsend has become an honourary lifetime member of Club Ultra Throw.

Founder of Ultra Throw, Dave McDonald, provides the backstory:

"For those of you who do not know Ken, he is the reason that I started throwing at the age of 55. After coming to grips with never being able to run or play any type of court sports due to having the tibial osteotomy, I saw him throwing discus one day when I was walking the track at Maple Ridge Park. I talked to Ken and took a few throws and smiled saying, 'I could do this.' We became training partners for over 4 years. Long story short, if it wasn't for Ken, I would never have tried throwing and Ultra would not be in existence. “

”I may be the 'founder' but Ken is the 'godfather' of our Ultra Throw Club."

During the Club Championships on Sept. 25 at McLeod Athletic Field in Langley, Ken was also presented with the "Ultra Supporter of the Year" in memory of his wife Gladys.

“For those of you who knew Ken and Gladys, you know that Gladys was there to watch and record almost every throw that he took,” said Dave McDonald. “Bundled up in the rain at times, she took care to keep Ken's stats. I cannot think of anyone who has ever had such a strong supporter. She was amazing.” With this being said, I propose that we put up a perpetual trophy in her honor as "Ultra Supporter of the Year."

Ultra Throw Holds 2022 AGM and Elections

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Left to right: Mohan Bains, Ken Townsend, Robbin Whachell, Harnek Toor, and Owen Wong. [Missing: Dave McDonald and Betsy Rollins]

The Ultra Throw annual general meeting was held on September 25 at McLeod Athletic Park in Langley after the Club Championships.

The meeting was held next to the throws cage. The club would like to thank Jody Cranston who was president for the past season. His message presented for the AGM reads as follows,

"What a great year it was for Ultra Throw! Many scintillating performances by the members at various meets led by Hardeep and Mohan at the world championships. Our membership base is up by 25%. This should lead to the number of members multiplying in the next few years. 'The more people who join, the more people will want to join.' Coach Dave and Robbin worked tirelessly to launch the Canadian Standards. This will be a welcomed addition to all Canadian throwers and have a uniting effect on Canadian throwing clubs. Club Ultra Throw goes into the next season with tremendous momentum: new throwers anxious to start, returning champions ready to defend and coaches willing to lead. Throw upwards and throw far …”

Congrats to the new 2022/23 executive voted-in. They include the following:

  • President, Harnek Toor

  • Vice-President and Communications Director, Robbin Whachell

  • Treasurer and Past President, Dave McDonald

  • Registrar, Betsy Rollins

  • Director, Ken Townsend

  • Director, Owen Wong

  • Director, Mohan Bains

The Club looks forward to future growth and the return of two open meets in 2023. Registration for the new season is already underway. Questions can be sent to ultrathrowclub@gmail.com.