BONNYILLE - Connor Woods has been ranked the top weight thrower nationally in the U18 category, breaking two Alberta records.
The Bonnyville local is a member of the Lakeland Yellow Jackets and has been coached by head coach Larry Godziuk since 2022.
“I hope to be able to compete as a university track athlete in the future, with the dream being to play university football too. Throwing for Team Canada would be another goal,” says Woods.
The teenage athlete explains that weight throwing requires balance, strength, speed and power, and that the sport has not only helped him develop as an athlete, but also as a person.
“Sports have always been a part of my life. Sports have taught me leadership, mental strength, controlled aggression, and teamwork,” says Woods.
Last August, Woods won a silver medal in the U16 hammer throw at the Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships. He then went on to break the U16 Alberta Record for 7.26kg weight throw at the December Throws Fest in Saskatoon on Dec. 14, 2024.
Additionally, Woods then broke the U17 Alberta Record for 9.07kg weight throw at the Golden Bear Open on Jan. 19, 2025.
Asked what the key to his success is, Woods spoke about the many people who have helped make his success possible, including all his coaches for other sports that have supported him in being a multi-sport athlete.
“Coach Larry Godziuk and the throwing team train twice a week all year round, working on skill, technique, and strategy. I train with Coach Blake Adams at Immortal Strength and conditioning three times a week, working on strength, cardio and power,” says Woods.
The commitment of his parents is also a key to his success.
Woods got into throwing while training for school track and field in Grade 7.
“My gym teacher mentioned that I had a knack for throwing heavy things and recommended I start working with Coach Larry. I am thankful for Mr. Khan because without him I may never have pursued throwing,” says Woods.
Since then, he’s grown to love the sport of throwing.
“I love throwing because it's different from team sports like football,” says Woods, who plays for the Bonnyville Voyageurs football team.
“I am alone in the circle, and without a team - the outcome is all up to me. I love the feeling of watching the weight bounce over the barricades or crash into the fences,” says Woods.
To see how Woods is ranked in the country, visit the Athletic Canada Ranking website.
