The world’s leading shot putter experienced an unfamiliar sensation of vulnerability this spring and summer.
On Saturday night, however, Ryan Crouser returned to his usual form of dominating his competition and making history.
Despite dealing with elbow and pectoral injuries throughout much of 2024, the 31-year-old American secured his third consecutive Olympic gold medal in the shot put with a throw of 75 feet, 1 3/4 inches. This victory not only cemented his status as the farthest shot put thrower ever—Crouser holds the world and Olympic records—but also confirmed his unparalleled dominance.
This win broke his tie with past Olympians Ralph Rose (1904, 1908), Parry O’Brien (1952, 1956), and Tomasz Majewski (2008, 2012). The victory elevated Crouser’s control over the event to a level comparable to Usain Bolt in the 100 and 200 meters and Carl Lewis in the long jump.
“The self-doubt and injuries that went into this make me appreciate it all the more,” Crouser stated.
Crouser’s victory further solidified American dominance in the event, with the U.S. now capturing gold in 20 out of 30 Summer Olympics.
Though the outcome seemed inevitable from the initial throws, it contrasted sharply with the uncertainty surrounding Crouser’s season, including his Saturday morning filled with “a lot of unknowns.”
Initially, Crouser injured the ulnar nerve in his throwing elbow. The following month, while bench pressing, he tore a pectoral muscle. Doctors did not clear him to resume throwing until nearly June.
By late July, in his last competition before the Paris Olympics, the Oregon native suffered his first loss in nearly a year. In the final month before the Olympics, rigorous training necessitated multiple rest days, prompting him to throw more frequently but with less intensity. Would he be able to elevate his performance when it mattered most?
Crouser answered that question with his first throw of 74 feet, 3 ½ inches, enough to secure gold by itself. He improved his distance with the next two throws.
“I knew I had to put pressure on the other competitors with a big early round throw to hopefully make them tighten up,” he said.
When rain started falling during the fourth round, making the ring slippery, it increased the difficulty for his competitors. Leonardo Fabbri of Italy, who had defeated Crouser in July, lost his footing on his fourth attempt, and others also slipped.
Despite these challenges, Crouser seemed to enjoy the competition. When introduced to the sold-out crowd, he struck a pose reminiscent of Rodin’s sculpture, “The Thinker.”
“A little shout out to a French sculptor here,” he remarked.
Fellow American Joe Kovacs earned his third silver medal in the same event, a first in Olympic history.
The gold added another remarkable achievement to Crouser’s resume. He owns 11 of the 20 farthest marks ever, all thrown between 2021 and this season. Only four men have thrown over 75 feet, 5 ½ inches (23 meters), and Crouser has done it nine times. The other three athletes have achieved this feat a combined five times.
Crouser’s dominance isn’t due to facing inferior competition either. The competitors who rank second, fifth, and seventh in historic distances participated in the Paris final.
Crouser’s eight-year reign includes two outdoor World Championships in 2022 and 2023 and an indoor world title from March. He may even consider shifting his focus to discus in 2026.
“It’s a tightrope between wanting to throw discus and not detracting too much from shot put,” said Crouser. “My goal would be to retire in 2028 on American soil; that would be a dream come true.”
He later clarified that his thoughts on retirement are still distant.
Crouser’s dominance arises from strict discipline—he abstains from alcohol except for 10 days off training annually—and a willingness to innovate his throwing technique. Holding degrees in economics and finance, the self-coached athlete devised what’s now known as the “Crouser slide” in December 2023, which led to a new world record and a throw exceeding 77 feet within six months.
His ability to maximize his 6-foot-7 frame in a seven-foot diameter ring has been key to his success. Despite health challenges, including two blood clots in his left leg discovered before his second consecutive World Championship win, Crouser has maintained his performance.
Though it wasn’t his best season, it was still his gold medal.