by Larry Eder
In 2016, Ryan Crouser came to the Stadio Engenhau in Rio De Janiero, Brazil to win the Olympic gold. Mr. Crouser set an Olympic record, in challenging conditions with a throw of 22.52m.
The shot put is highly competitive , relying on technique, focus, speed and inner drive. Remember dear track and field fans, that the shot put is a speed event. If you are not fast in the ring, if you do not have the control over that speed, then, you just won’t make it. And somedays, even Olympic champions loose.
In London 2017, Kiwi star Tom Walsh, a highly competitve athlete and someone who loves a challenge won the Men’s shot put, pushing Ryan Crouser to sixth.
In Doha 2019, Tom Walsh threw 22.90 meters (75’1.5″ on his fourth throw, the longest throw in 29 years, a new Oceanic record. Ryan Crouser responded with a 22.71m, pushing Joe Kovacs (22.56m) back to third.
On the final throws in Doha, Joe Kovacs threw 22.91m/75 feet, 1.75 inches! taking the lead. Ryan Crouser responded with a 22.90m (75 feet, 1.5 inches), equalling the throw of Tom Walsh. On his last throw, Walsh fouled. As are the rules, Tom Walsh and Ryan Crouser had to use their second best throws, meaning, that with Crouser’s 22.71m and Walsh’s 22.56m, it would be Kovacs, Crouser, then Walsh. Walsh protested, but it was not approved. Many call this competition “the greatest shot put competition in history.”
Ryan Crouser went on to win Tokyo 2021, with Joe Kovacs in silver. In Eugene 2022 and Budapest 2023, it was Ryan Crouser gold and Joe Kovacs silver.
Paris gave Ryan Crouser a third Olympic gold, but then, a sore elbow struck. Ryan has had to curtail his throwing so that his elbow could heal.
London Athletics Meet
July 23, 2023, London, England, U.K., photo by Kevin Morris
Ryan has not competed all season, Joe Kovacs did not make the team, for the first time , and while Ryan Crouser made the final, scheduled for Saturday night in Tokyo, at 9:10 local time in the evening, Tom Walsh of New Zealand looks pretty tough.
What will Ryan Crouser do? Will he call on the inner strength that has given him three Olympic golds and two world golds?
Will Tom Walsh thwart Ryan Crouser’s dream of a third title?
Well, you will just have to watch.
On Friday, Seb Coe, President of World Athletics, was asked what event, besides the 800m/1500m he was looking for. Ever the statesmen, Seb Coe smiled, and noted, ” I really like the Men’s shot put, as it always delivers.”
Enough said!
