Ayala’s Joshua Komrosky is a rising star in track and field
CHINO HILLS, Calif. — Sixteen-year-old Joshua “Josh” Komrosky has been part of Chino Hills athletics nearly his entire life. From early days on the soccer field to years of football at Ayala High School, to earning a black belt in Taekwondo, Josh has always been drawn to sports. But it is in the throwing circle, launching the shot put, discus, and hammer, where he has found both his greatest challenges and his greatest triumphs.
“I started throwing shot put when I was seven,” Josh says. “Back then, it was just this little plastic ball filled with sand. I wasn’t very good; I usually finished last at meets. But around my fifth year, something clicked. I got stronger, and suddenly I started winning gold medals. That’s when I realized this was my sport.”
Now a junior at Ayala High School, Josh is already among the top throwers in the nation. He broke his school’s discus record as a sophomore with a throw of 178 feet 4 inches and placed seventh at the California State High School Track Meet, an accomplishment especially impressive for an underclassman in an event often dominated by older athletes.
A Love for Discus
Of the three events, Josh favors discus. “There’s just something about it. I love the spin, the rhythm, and the challenge of pushing myself further each time,” he explains. “Throwing is a little different than other sports because it’s mostly you versus yourself. If I do better than I did last time, that’s a win. And if I win, my team and school win, too.”
That mindset has paid off. Beyond high school competition, Josh also throws for JK Throwers, a club team founded by his dad, Jon. Under both his father’s guidance and the mentorship of Olympian Carl Myerscough, Josh has reached national recognition, earning seven All-American honors and more than 50 gold medals in various competitions. In 2023 and 2025, he became the number one discus thrower in the country for his age group.
“My dad’s advice is simple: ‘Just throw it far,’” Josh says with a laugh. “It sounds silly, but it works. When I focus on that, my technique follows.”
Balancing Power and Precision
Throwers often joke about their unique role in track and field. “We just throw really heavy things really far,” Josh says. “We lift heavy, eat heavy, and stay heavy so we can throw heavy.” He explains the technical details with precision: a 1.6-kilogram discus, a 12-pound shot put, and a 12-pound hammer. For all three, he uses a spinning technique to maximize speed and force within the concrete throwing circle.
“Every event has its own rhythm,” Josh says. “But the repetition is what I like. I don’t have to overthink it—just spin correctly and throw harder than last time.”
His father agrees that Josh’s consistency is key. “He throws and lifts four to five times a week in season, balancing schoolwork with training,” Jon says. “We also plan out sleep, nutrition, and warmups so that when it’s time to compete, he’s as ready as possible. It’s about discipline, and Josh has shown he can balance all of it, even getting straight A’s last semester.”
Standing Out Among the Best
Josh’s accomplishments continue to pile up. He is a two-time Palomares League Champion for discus, a two-time Ayala Throws MVP, and a Scholar Athlete award recipient. At USATF Junior Olympics in Savannah, Georgia this past summer, he faced brutal heat and humidity but rose to the occasion.
“He was in second place going into his last throw,” recalls Jon. “He needed a personal record to win. With all the pressure on him, he launched it 180 feet 8 inches, his farthest throw of the season. That moment, it was incredible. As his dad and coach, it made me so proud.”
Josh counts that throw among his favorite memories, along with the “Fat Man Relay,” a throwers-only relay event where he and his teammates surprised everyone by winning a 4×100. “It’s those fun, unexpected moments that make track meets unforgettable,” he says.
Challenges and Motivation
Despite his success, Josh admits his toughest battles aren’t always physical. “My biggest challenge is my mind,” he shares. “Sometimes at early meets, I feel like I haven’t woken up yet. To get going, I’ll have an energy drink and half a 3 Musketeers bar before my event. It helps me flip the switch.”
His inspiration also comes from rivalry and friendship. “There’s Ben, one of my teammates. Back in junior high, he thought he was the best thrower, then I came along and broke the school record. Now we push each other. He’s ahead of me in shot put right now, so I’m working hard to catch him. It’s a friendly rivalry, but it motivates me.”
Josh also looks up to Carl Myerscough, a British Olympian and coach. “Carl’s one of the biggest and strongest guys you’ll ever meet, but he’s so down-to-earth. He lets me train with him and gives me advice. That kind of mentorship means a lot.”
Life Beyond the Circle
Outside of athletics, Josh is a self-described “funny nerd.” He enjoys drawing and video games, with hopes of becoming an animator. “Art is my favorite subject in school. It’s the one class where I can doodle, and it actually helps my grade,” he jokes. He’s considering a college path that combines athletics with computer-based animation.
At home, Josh is part of a tight-knit family. His dad, Jon, coaches him, his mom, Jennie, cheers him on, and his younger brothers Jacob and James are following in his footsteps. “I coach Jacob in throwing, and he’s getting really good,” Josh says proudly. The family even has a pet tortoise named Koopa.
Looking Ahead
For the 2026 season, Josh has ambitious goals: 57 feet in shot put, 190 feet in discus, and surpassing his discus distance with the hammer throw. Long-term, he hopes to throw at a Division 1 college, preferably one that offers cooler weather than Georgia’s sweltering climate.
“Track and field has something for everyone,” Josh says. “But throwing especially is underrated. I’d love to see more people try it. It doesn’t get the spotlight like running events, but it’s such a fun and rewarding challenge.”
Jon echoes that sentiment. “As a father and coach, I’ve watched Josh grow not just in strength but in character. He puts in the work, balances school, and now even coaches his brothers. His dedication sets him apart. And we’re only just beginning to see what he can achieve.”
With his record-breaking throws, his sharp sense of humor, and his drive to keep improving, Joshua Komrosky is a name the Chino Hills community will be hearing for years to come.
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