Posted: July 17, 2006

Athletics: Steacy improves his Canadian Hammer Throw record

OTTAWA – James Steacy of Lethbridge, Alberta improved on the Canadian hammer throw record on his way to a win at the Alberta Provincial Championships this past weekend.

"Holding a Canadian Senior track and field record feels great! I have worked very hard the last 6 years and seeing the results is an unbelievable feeling. Knowing that all the choices I've made to focus on throwing, from the time I was 17 years old, were the right ones makes this record all the more special.”

Steacy, who set the record of 75.32 metres at a meet in Brisbane, Australia on March 3rd, bettered his pending Canadian record on his third toss with an impressive throw of 75.96 meters. This was Steacy’s first competition since his silver medal performance at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia due to a leg injury. “Breaking the Canadian record I set in Brisbane in March, so soon after breaking my leg on April 11th, is incredible. I went into this competition hoping to throw over 72 metres. It is a tremendous relief to know that my injury is not going to hinder my progress in any way.”

Steacy comments on his progress and upcoming goals; “I am where I am today because of my coach (Larry Steinke), his knowledge, and the program he has me on. I am just focusing on the possibilities and opportunities in front of me, taking the journey one step at a time – the 2006 World Cup, 2007 World Championships, FISU Games, 2007 Pan Am Games, and hopefully the 2008 Olympic Games - and enjoying every moment of it.”

At the same event, former Canadian champion Ian Maplethorpe broke the Men’s Masters Hammer throw Canadian record with a throw of 61.03 metres.

Athletics Canada is the national sport governing body for the sport of track and field including cross-country running, road running, and road racing.

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