After a underachieving opening-day effort, Dirk Stroda rebounded to make the podium at the Canadian Junior Track and Field Championships last weekend in Sainte-Thérèse, Que.
The Kelowna athlete, who settled for fourth place in discus on Day 1, bounced back with a personal best in the 6 kg hammer throw. His personal best toss of 55.25 metres was just 14 cm short of the best throw, and earned him a national silver medal.
“I couldn’t find the groove on Saturday but felt more in sync on Sunday with my hammer,” said Stroda. “I am super happy with my new PB. That’s how you want to compete in a championship event. The rest is luck.”
Only one competition remains this season for Stroda to try get closer to the 60m mark.
“I hope to improve my marks next week at the B.C. Championships in Kamloops,” said Aaron. “There is still lots of fuel in my tank and next year I am still able to compete in the junior category, nationally and hopefully internationally.”
Stroda obtained his Canadian citizenship last December and hopes for his first international appearance for Canada in 2015.
He also finished sixth overall in the men’s shot put competition at junior nationals with a new PB toss of 14.76m.
