SAINT-DENIS, France — The distance between Ryan Crouser and second place was about 0.75 meters. The distance between Ryan Crouser and anybody else who could possibly be mentioned as the greatest shot-putter ever?
Let’s just say it’s measured in medals instead of meters.
No one has ever thrown a shot put farther, indoors or outdoors. He holds both world records. Now, no one has won three consecutive Olympic gold medals. He completed the trifecta Saturday, his throw of 22.90 meters securing his spot as the G.O.A.T. of shot put.
What makes this one extra special is Crouser, at one point this year, thought his career was over. Injury shelved him for months, robbed him of his strength and opened the door for doubt to enter. That, too, he overpowered.
Crouser said the injury prompted him to refine his technique since he couldn’t rely so much on brute strength. The refinement kept the 31-year-old ahead of the curve.
He’s so good, another exceptional shot put talent might end his career never winning Olympic gold. Joe Kovacs is as good as they come. He won the silver in Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 2020. He finished second to Crouser again in Paris.
He still holds the title of last man to beat Crouser in a major championship. Kovacs took gold in the 2019 World Championships in Doha with a sixth-round throw of 22.91. A young Crouser took silver with a sixth-round throw of 22.90.
Since then, Crouser has won two world championships and three Olympic golds. Saturday, he left no doubt and elevated his legacy far above mere mortals.
Required reading
(Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
