Local track and field athlete Andreas Troschke is ready for a big season after medalling at an elite invitational meet south of the border this month.
The Grade 11 Olds High School student competed in the hammer throw and discus throw at the Oregon Relays in Eugene, Ore.
Troschke threw 54.16 metres in the hammer throw to win the bronze medal and set a personal best. He achieved that distance with a 12-pound hammer, heavier than the 5-kilogram one he throws in Alberta.
The 17-year-old also set a personal best in the discus, throwing 39.86 metres. The discus he threw was heavier than usual as well, 1.6 kilograms.
"I'm feeling really good about this upcoming season, especially how the last two years I've really struggled out of the gate in the first few meets," he said.
“I think this is a great way to hit the ground running and I'm really excited to see what I can do now."
The Oregon Relays saw about 2,000 athletes compete and 7,000 spectators attend. It was Troschke's first track meet outside of Canada.
"Hayward Field, in the world of track and field, is a Mecca almost," he said. "Even walking up to the stadium I was getting goosebumps. It's awesome when you see the big sign. So it's a bit nerve-racking but at the same time, a really cool experience."
This season, he's hoping to set a provincial record for 16- to 17-year-olds in the hammer throw: 63 metres.
He has quite a bit of distance to go, but is confident he'll gain three to four metres by his next few meets. He'll spend the rest of the season working toward his goal.
"I think this is a great way to hit the ground running and I'm really excited to see what I can do now." ANDREAS TROSCHKE, 17
