Many fans of the Olympics are urging gold medalist Ethan Katzberg to undergo a DNA test after developing suspicions about his ancestry.
Consider his long, blond(ish), wavy hair, a thick moustache, and an athletic build. Do these features remind you of any specific country?
While an athletic physique is common among Olympians, the other two traits are not as widespread.
Katzberg, who displayed these features, competed in the hammer throw event on day nine of the Paris 2024 Olympics and secured a gold medal with a remarkable throw of 84.12 meters. However, his appearance caught more attention than his performance.
Many were surprised that Katzberg was representing Canada at the Olympics.
It’s a common saying that you can’t judge a book by its cover, and similarly, you can’t determine a person’s nationality based on their looks.
Nevertheless, Katzberg seemed to embody characteristics often associated with another country.
One Twitter user commented: “Nah I want a DNA test this man is clearly Australian.”
Another added: “They’re just appropriating the Aussie male look.”
Someone else chimed in: “He’s probably a secret Aussie.”
One viewer acknowledged Katzberg’s ‘Australian energy’ but affirmed he was ‘for sure Canadian’.
A quick Google search reveals that Katzberg was indeed born in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, in April 2002.
He has repeatedly demonstrated his skills, becoming the first Canadian to win a world title in the hammer throw at the 2023 World Athletics Championships.
According to the Canada Olympics website, his victory made him the youngest man to ever win a hammer throw world title and the youngest world championship medallist in the men’s hammer throw.
Reflecting on his win at Paris 2024, Katzberg admitted he was surprised by his success.
He stated: “I don’t think I expected it, but I had the preparation in mind to get a good round on the first throw, and to throw 84 metres felt really good.”
In the hammer throw event, Katzberg was followed by Hungary’s Bence Halasz, who won silver with a throw of 79.97 meters, and Ukraine’s Mykhaylo Kokhan, who secured bronze with a throw of 79.39 meters.