Christian Brothers College student fighting for life after being hit in head at hammer throwing practice

A Christian Brothers College student remains in a critical condition on Friday after being struck in the head during hammer throw practice.

A Christian Brothers College student remains in a critical condition on Friday after being struck in the head during hammer throw practice.

Students from the college were in athletics training on Thursday night at St Albans Reserve, in Clearview, when the 13-year-old boy was wounded.

He was treated by paramedics at the scene and taken to Women’s and Children’s Hospital where he is currently fighting for life.

The hammer throw challenges athletes to swing and launch a steel ball from a tether as far as possible, with the “hammer” generally weighing 7.2kg for men.

Police on scene at St Albans Reserve in Clearview on Thursday night, shortly after the accident. Picture: Matt Loxton

The hammer throwing circle at St Albans Reserve. Picture: Supplied

Christian Brothers College principal David Johnston said the school continued to investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident.

“One of our Year 7 students was involved in a very unfortunate accident during athletics training at St Albans Reserve and is currently in critical condition,” Mr Johnston said.

“The accident is under ongoing investigation, with all staff and students who were present assisting in the process.

“We have arranged for our school counsellors and additional support personnel to provide guidance and emotional support for both students and staff as we navigate through this difficult time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the student, their family, friends and the wider CBC community. We kindly request that the family’s privacy be honoured during this challenging time.”

Students from Christian Brothers College were practising athletics at the time of the accident. Picture: Matt Loxton

St Albans Reserve is located just north of Adelaide’s CBD and Enfield Harriers AC hires the oval and a small clubroom. The Port Adelaide Enfield Council manages St Albans, the oval, the clubrooms, and the hire to user groups.

Enfield Harriers president Kym Miller said the club was not involved in the training session.

“The details of what led to this happening is unclear, but we are very distressed and our thoughts and prayers go to the young man … We feel terrible about what has occurred,” Mr Miller said.

Injuries in the sport of hammer throwing are not unheard of and have lead to death in several high-profile cases.

In 2021, Cuban Youth Olympics athlete Alegna Osorio, 19, was killed during hammer throw practice after suffering similar injuries.

In 2017, US college student Ethan Roser, also 19, died in the same circumstances while officiating an athletics meet.

An SA Police spokeswoman said the current incident was not being treated as a criminal matter, but Police Commissioner Grant Stevens called it “a tragic situation”.

“Obviously there’ll be inquiries in relation to what led to the injury occurring, but at this point in time we just hope that he pulls through,” Mr Stevens said.

“There are risks associated with participating in sport, but I don’t think this is one of those risks that anyone would have foreseen.

“We are yet to know the full circumstances as to how it occurred, but we certainly hope that the young fellow comes through okay.”