With the patience of a fisherman, strength of an ox, discus thrower Hogan eyes spot in SA’s Olympics team
Victor Hogan is South Africa’s top discus thrower who loves fishing and no matter how far he throws, he always sees room for improvement.
South Africa’s top discus thrower Victor Hogan. Picture: victorhoganza/ Instagram.
JOHANNESBURG – He is a giant of a man with a strong arm and the patience of a fisherman.
Victor Hogan is South Africa’s top discus thrower who loves fishing and no matter how far he throws, he always sees room for improvement.
He has tried rugby, cricket, golf, and athletics (shotput, high jump, long jump) but nothing comes close to the satisfaction of throwing the discus for him.
“When I was 14, a teacher encouraged me to try discus throw, from the start I excelled and two days later I won the inter-schools and proceeded that year to the provincial championships where it came to an end with a 6th position. When I was 16, I made up my mind to stick with one sport and I chose the discus throw.”
The mountain of a man claimed South Africa’s first athletics gold medal in Accra at the African Games with a 62.56m effort.
“That's my problem, I always feel I need to do more, and I have not done good enough,” said Hogan on his achievements.
In 2011 at the African Games in Maputo, he threw 62.60m and won a silver medal.
“This year is a big year, I’ve been to five world championships but have never been to the Olympic Games, which I think is every athlete's dream to compete there, but the goal is to reach the top 12, and from there anything can happen.”
The thrower is passionate about fishing and shares this on his YouTube channel Saltaholic where he boasts over 8,000 subscribers.
Hogan says fishing relaxes him and prepares his mindset, especially ahead of throwing competitions.
“This is a lonely sport, and you realise that when you walk out to your event. You have to have a strong mindset to compete. You have to focus on yourself and enjoy what you’re doing. When you having fun, everything is easier.”
The three-time African Champion who also hopes to make the 2024 Paris Olympic team believes in punching above his weight.
“Give it your all, time runs out quicker than you think, your career is short and make the best of it. Luckily, I’m like red wine.”