Two Lakeland athletes recently had the opportunity to compete on one of the biggest stages in Canadian track and field, travelling to Toronto for the Canadian Nationals in the weight throw event.

Connor Woods and Kali Janz spent three days at the national competition, going head-to-head with some of the best athletes from across the country.

For Janz, the experience was her first time competing at the national level.

“It was a really cool, eye-opening experience,” she said. “Competing with athletes from all across Canada was very different from the Alberta athletes we’re used to competing against.”

Despite the nerves that come with stepping onto a national stage for the first time, Janz said the opportunity was unforgettable.

“It was quite nerve-wracking at the beginning, but it was an awesome experience and I can’t wait to do it again.”

What is Weight Throw?

Both athletes competed in the weight throw, an indoor throwing event similar to the hammer throw.

Janz explained that the event involves a weighted ball attached to a short chain.

“For me it’s a 16-pound weight — pretty much like a shot put on a shorter chain,” she said. “You rotate and try to throw it as far as you can.”

Woods throws the heavier 20-pound weight in the event and described the technical differences between the two disciplines.

“The hammer has a metre-long stick, whereas the weight throw has about an eight-inch chain,” he said. “It doesn’t go quite as far as hammer throw, but it’s a little easier to control.”

Chasing Big Throws

Woods entered the national competition with specific goals in mind.

“All season I’ve been chasing certain numbers and certain records,” he said. “My goal was to go in and throw as far as I could.”

While he didn’t quite hit the distances he had been aiming for, Woods still delivered a strong performance.

He finished second overall at nationals, an achievement that highlights both his consistency and competitiveness on the national stage.

A Growing Future for Lakeland Track

Both athletes train under coach Larry Guck, who has helped develop many talented throwers in the region.

For young athletes like Janz, competing at nationals provides invaluable experience and exposure to the highest level of competition in Canada.

For Woods, the result adds another impressive accomplishment to an already strong athletic resume that includes football and multiple throwing disciplines in track and field.

As Lakeland continues to produce talented athletes across multiple sports, performances like these show that local athletes can compete — and succeed — on the national stag