Ethan Katzberg has addressed the buzz generated by Olympic viewers who are suggesting he take a DNA test, alongside some very favorable comparisons.
Katzberg has been representing Canada in this year’s Olympics and recently made history by becoming the youngest ever men’s Olympic hammer throw gold medalist at just 22 years old.
This achievement also makes him the first Canadian to win a medal in the hammer throwing event since 1912.
However, his groundbreaking win isn’t the only thing that has captured people’s attention – his appearance has also become a hot topic.
The Canadian undeniably bears a striking resemblance to an Australian, prompting some to call for a DNA test to verify his Canadian roots.
“Nah I want a DNA test this man is clearly Australian,” one Twitter user wrote about Katzberg.
“They’re just appropriating the Aussie male look,” added another, while a third dubbed Katzberg a ‘secret Aussie’.
Moreover, the 22-year-old has been likened to the Marvel comic book character Thor, played by Australian actor Chris Hemsworth in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Katzberg has now addressed the internet frenzy, with CGTN America reporter Dan Williams asking him what he thinks of the Australian and Thor comparisons.
“It’s great to see that people are connecting me with so many people I would never think about and the Australian one is new, but that’s great,” the gold medalist responded.
“I’m happy to see people gathering interest in me and hammer throwing and being able to make those connections.”
Indeed, there are worse comparisons to be made.
In light of the Thor comparisons, Williams also asked, “Do you don’t expect a call from Hollywood any time soon? You know, ‘We need a new Thor, Chris Hemsworth can’t do it?'”
Laughing, Katzberg replied, “They haven’t seen my acting skills yet, so I don’t know.”
It seems he has no immediate plans to transition to an acting career…
Katzberg has been making a name for himself in hammer throwing for some time and clinched gold medals at the 2023 World Athletics Championships and Pan Am Games.
The year before, he secured a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in the same event.
Given his impressive track record, it’s unlikely this will be the last we see of Katzberg, who is expected to compete at Los Angeles 2028.