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.