Richmond’s own Camryn Rogers is returning to B.C. to compete on home soil at the 2023 Harry Jerome Track Classic event next week.
The hammer-throwing Olympic star said she’s looking forward to competing as a professional athlete at home in one of the region’s top international track and field meets on July 14.
“After being all over the world competing in different places, I’m really happy to have … my first meet on home soil and I always love the chance to compete in B.C. and especially when it’s a place that I’ve been to many many times growing up,” said Rogers, adding that seeing familiar faces and hearing the cheers of local people is something irreplaceable.
“I think seeing some of the world’s best that are going to be there, it’s going to make it just so incredible. I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be a really great day.”
One of Rogers’ biggest goals is to reach, if not surpass, the 80-metre line in hammer throwing.
The 80-metre barrier, she explained, is considered a “huge and monumental achievement” for a female hammer thrower – an achievement only three women have ever done in the sport’s history.
“That 80-metre line is definitely … calling and I’m excited to answer that call for whatever it is that I am able to.
“There’s so much to look forward to.”
This year, the meet will take place at McLeod Stadium in Langley instead of Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium, as the competition surface has started “bubbling up,” according to organizers Achilles International Track and Field Society.
Despite the change in competition venue, Rogers said it’s still home and a familiar circle as she grew up competing in Langley during high school competitions.
The 24-year-old athlete added she is looking forward to representing Richmond and making the city proud.
“When I’m competing, it’s always more than just representing the label across my jersey, but it’s also representing my hometown and all the amazing people who are there, who have allowed me to and helped me to grow into who I am today,” she said.
“Whenever I’m in the circle, I’m representing Richmond and that is a fact that I am always extremely happy and proud to say.”
In the meantime, Rogers has set her sight on the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
For more information about the Harry Jerome Track Classic, click here.
