2024 Olympics: Aussies, Germans call for 'DNA test' as moustache-laden Canadian gold medalist

2024 Olympics: Aussies, Germans call for 'DNA test' as moustache-laden Canadian gold medalist Ethan Katzberg sets social media ablaze
In an electrifying performance at the Stade de France on August 4, 2024, Ethan Katzberg of Canada clinched the gold medal in the men's hammer throw, marking a historic moment for Canadian athletics. Katzberg's triumph in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 was a momentous achievement, as it was Canada's first gold medal in the event since 1956.

Katzberg, a native of Nanaimo, B.C., not only secured Canada's first gold medal in hammer throw in nearly seven decades but also became the first Canadian to reach the Olympic podium in this event since Duncan Gillis won silver at the 1912 Stockholm Games. Prior to that, Canada had only medaled in hammer throw once more, with Con Walsh earning bronze at the 1908 Olympics in London.

The 22-year-old Katzberg delivered a performance for the ages, opening the hammer throw final with a staggering throw of 84.12 meters, a distance no other competitor came close to matching. His dominance was further underscored by his second-best throw of 82.28 meters, while no other athlete managed to surpass the 80-meter mark. Katzberg's winning throw was over four meters farther than that of silver medalist Bence Halász of Hungary, who achieved 79.97 meters. Mykhaylo Kokhan of Ukraine took bronze with a throw of 79.39 meters.

Following his victory, Katzberg was effusive in his praise for his coach, Dylan Armstrong. "I gotta give a lot of thanks to my prep man over there, Dylan Armstrong," Katzberg said. "He got me ready for this, and we prepared for this for a whole year. It was the only thing we were thinking about, and to be able to throw 84 and bring home the gold, that felt really good."

Reflecting on his achievement, Katzberg added, "I can call myself an Olympic champion for the rest of my life, and that's a really special moment. I'll always remember this day. It was incredible."

However, it wasn't just his athletic prowess that captured the public's imagination. Katzberg's distinctive hair and moustache quickly became a talking point on social media, with many captivated by his unique look.

The buzz was particularly strong among Australians, who humorously tried to claim Katzberg as one of their own. "Nah, I want a DNA test; this man is clearly Australian," one user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote. Another suggested, "They’re just appropriating the Aussie male look," while a third claimed, "He's probably a secret Aussie." One particularly cheeky post read, "I’m pretty sure this dude lives down the street from me and drives a Dodge Ram truck."

The fun wasn't limited to Australians. Germans and Dutch social media users joined in, with one German post asserting, "DNA will prove him a German porn actor from 1978," and another adding, "Wrong! German. His name is Leon, and his sister's name is Mandy. DNA will prove it." A Dutch user claimed, "He is a campsite owner from the Netherlands."

Despite these humorous claims, Canadians are fiercely proud of their new national treasure. Katzberg's journey into hammer throwing began when he was inspired by his sister's participation in the sport. "My sister was a hammer thrower before me," Katzberg explained. "I started coming out to her trainings, and I thought it looked like fun. So I picked it up when I was 14, and I just kind of did it for fun. It feels great to be here now with a gold medal."

At just 22 years old, Katzberg has already amassed an impressive list of accolades, including a Commonwealth Games silver medal (2022) and a world championship title (2023). Now, with an Olympic gold medal added to his name, Katzberg's future in athletics looks exceedingly bright.

[KirkLangford-nfbs]

He looks like Crosby of Crosby, Stills and Nash

[tomevans]

Is that Burton Cummings from the Guess Who?

[gillianec]

He looks like Michael Stivic of "All in the Family" (yes I'm old...)

[rodneyjewett]

Apparently they want to see if he's a Big Foot.

[yourock]

He must be a descendant of Gallagher. Instead of throwing a hammer at melons, he threw it in the Olympics.

[theholidaylady]

This is pure click bate and meant to cause this man harm!

I think it's mean and repulsive that you would make this video and post it!

Do you not think that people have feelings? Imagine the harm you could do to this young man!

We Nanaimoites are proud of Ethan for his accomplishment and this is just petty bullshit disguised as humour!

[martinemjt]

nobody wants till you win a gold and everyone will claim you re one of theirs!!!

[obamaissatan]

Looks like a feller can roll off the couch and toss something in exchange for gold. Very inspirational

[deenyc]

The title disturbed me, I’m glad it turned out to be humorous.

[robbpowell]

That's actually funny... He is actually going Canadian hockey dude retro....

[relin]

Canadians come of all looks and colours. And most of us are proud. Get a fricken grip

[lonwolf]

This might be quite a stetch to think, not saying it's possible, in reality, some might call it a 1 in 7 billion chance. Is it maybe, just maybe a possibility, not saying it's true. That he was born in Australia and has moved to Canada? The chances are slim and near impossible but still possible.

[jennyohara]

DNA test to prove what? that he is a Aussie? what a waste of a article

[j.richardson]

Ok, yes he is a sasquatch that we sent for a makeover, but he's 100% hoser eh. 🇨🇦

[Rick_Foley]

DNA: Deutsch Netherlander Australian. DNA confirmed.

[erroneousbatch]

I reckon he's Welsh and DNA will prove it.

[rdeh]

What to see if he is human or related to Thor

[JColas]

Was that in the men's or women's competition? Nowadays you never know, especially after the opening show of those olympics

[erroneousbatch]

Sheesh, it's amazing and sad that so many commenters don't get the joke.

[stop]

They’re gonna have a hard time getting to him. He’s a OTR truck driver hauling logs across the Northwest territory.