Willett Father-son combo pull in gold in hammer throw
They are father and son at home but here in Wood Buffalo, Alta. father Laurie Willett is on duty as coach of son Sam Willett, the top-ranked hammer throw athlete competing at the 2015 Western Canada Summer Games. Recent Mount Douglas Secondary graduate Sam has been competing for the past four years in the hammer throw, while father Laurie has been coaching for 10 years with a local track club in Victoria.
“It’s a lot of weight lifting, repeatedly training the movement and obviously mental preparation,” listed Sam for his focal points of training. “You get to spin four times. It looks really cool and you feel really cool. It’s just very different to any other sport out there.”
On opening day of the 2015 Games, Aug. 8, Sam took home gold despite faulting on two of his three preliminary throws. As the only Team BC athlete in this event, Sam entered competition as the one to beat. The 17-year-old is a two-time champion in the BC High School Championships, winning in 2014 and the 2015 Western Canada Summer Games, however, marks the first time that Sam’s dad Laurie has been his head coach.
“My dad has always been like a coach for me in whatever sports I do,” adds Sam. “Since I came to track and field he’s been working his way up (as a coach) so, this is his first Team BC experience and this is my
first year on the team as well. It’s been a really great experience having him here.”
Both father and son coach at their local club in Victoria, while Laurie has been with Sam as he has competed at the BC Summer Games, Youth National Championships and Pan American Juniors.
“You just kind of get hooked,” adds Laurie about coaching hammer throw. “The training is fun. You get to challenge yourself and your always learning.”
The pair seem to have it figured out as Sam certainly delivered throwing a personal best of 50.57m.
“It’s awesome,” were the first words out of Sam’s mouth following the win with dad by his side. “It feels really good. It’s as much of a success for me as it is for (Laurie).”
Although Sam already has representing Canada ticked off the list after competing at this year’s Pan Am Junior Championship, the hammer throw champion still has lots more on the horizon.
“This games experience is a great stepping stone because it is a senior weight and all the other competitions were light weight,” adds Sam. “Next year I get to aim for World Juniors and I’ll also be
staying in Victoria and going to UVic.”
Only a day into competition and there is nothing but great things to say about their adventure to Wood
“I can’t believe how good everything is here,” exclaimed Laurie. “From the amazing volunteers to the exceptional track and all the great venues it’s been a great experience so far.”
Adding a gold medal on Day 1 was just another great addition to the Willett’s games experience.
“I am super proud of (Sam),” exclaims Laurie. “He works so hard and medalling just shows off how much work he really does.”