Gold for hammer thrower Camryn Rogers

Camryn Rogers

Canadian hammer thrower Camryn Rogers topped the podium in the women’s final on Saturday for the country’s 22nd gold medal of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.

The 23-year-old from Richmond, B.C., launched her third throw 74.08 metres to win the event in front of a roaring crowd at Alexander Stadium.

New Zealand’s Julia Ratcliffe claimed silver with a throw of 69.63m, while fellow Canadian Jillian Weir of Kingston, Ont., captured bronze (67.35m).

Kaila Butler of Port Coquitlam, B.C., finished eighth (64.22m).

Rogers was under pressure after hitting the cage on her second attempt, leaving her with just one more chance to secure a spot in the next round. But she stepped up on her third attempt with a big throw that vaulted her into first place, giving her a healthy lead that she wouldn’t relinquish.

“To be able to come back and get it in the third round … We train for every possible outcome,” Rogers said. “The first couple felt really good. They were just a little off. To get it in the third round was great.

“Now I’m even more pumped up to come back in four years.”

Rogers advanced to the final on Thursday while setting a new Games record with a throw of 74.68m to lead the qualifying round. She won a historic silver medal at the World Athletics Championships last month, becoming the first Canadian woman to win a hammer throw medal at worlds.

Canada has also won 29 silver and 33 bronze for a total of 84 medals at the Commonwealth Games, which currently has them third in the standings. The Games conclude on Monday.