Richmond’s Camryn Rogers placed fifth in women’s hammer throw at the Tokyo Olympics Tuesday.
In the qualifying round, Rogers finished fourth out of 30 competitors with a throw of 73.97 metres.
In the final match, Rogers threw 74.35 metres.
Gold went to Poland’s Anita Wlodarczyk, who threw 78.48 metres.
Shari Rogers, Camryn’s mother, said Rogers has an “amazing ability” to zone in and remain composed, given she’s only 22 — her competitors are often in their thirties.
Shari watched the event with friends, as she wasn't able to attend in person.
“She’s my hero — she leads by example and always shows resiliency and never complains, always just does what it takes to reach her goals,” Shari said.
She also has “good sportsmanship,” Shari explained, and the “incredible bond” she has with her coach, Mo Saatara, allows her to focus on her sport.
This is the first Olympics for Rogers, who is a McMath secondary and Kajaks alumnus.
As part of the NCAA Cal-Berkeley Golden Bears, Rogers threw the fourth longest throw in the world in June — 75.52 metres — snagging a gold.
The Tokyo Olympics are the end of the season and she will be back at school in September.
Next year, she will be aiming for Worlds in Eugene, Ore. as well as the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, Shari explained.
And then there’s always Paris 2024.
