Ryan Crouser has been nothing short of dominant in the shot put over recent years. Crouser has built up a resume in the event that is virtually unmatched. Currently, he sits as the reigning Olympic Champion, World Champion and World Record Holder. Crouser is continuing to find ways to push the limits of the event, while building his championship resume.

A Championship Resume

One of the most impressive parts of Crouser’s career is how has executed so well in Championship settings. In the biggest moments, he always seems to show out.

Crouser currently sits as a two-time Olympic Champion in the shot put. He went back-to-back in the event, winning both the 2016 Olympic title and the 2020 Olympic title. It is special to repeat at the biggest stage in the world.

Perhaps what made the 2020 Olympic Gold even more special was the way in which he dedicated it to his grandfather. Crouser’s Grandfather passed away only a week before his flight to Tokyo, making it a tremendous hardship. Crouser credits much of his throwing career to his grandfather, who had mentored him throughout his life. After his Olympic title, Crouser held up a sign saying that they had done it, captured that Olympic Gold.

As for World Championships, Crouser has continually improved throughout his career. In 2017, Crouser placed 6th. He then followed that with a silver medal in 2019. He captured his first world title in 2022, in his home state of Oregon.

This world championship in 2022 seemed to put Crouser even further ahead as one of the all-time greats, as he now had the triple crown of track & field. He had won an Olympic title, World title and broke the world record.

Crouser certainly has showcased his ability as a competitor with his collection of international titles. He is able to execute on the world stage extraordinarily well, making him a legend in the shot put.

A World Record Crusher

Crouser has absolutely obliterated the world record over recent years.

Currently, his world record sits at 23.56 meters. He set that this past May at the USATF Grand Prix in Los Angeles. In his home country, he made an absolutely huge improvement, lengthening the world record by 19 centimeters.

Crouser’s previous world record may be just as memorable. In 2021, Crouser smashed the world record at the US Olympic Trials, with a 23.37m throw. This event took place in his home state of Oregon. For Crouser, it was special to be able to put on such an incredible performance in front of his home crowd.

A New Technique

Crouser has made it clear that he is not complacent with his current world record and resume. He is continually trying to find new ways to push the bounds of what is thought to be possible for the shot put.

Coming into this season, Crouser said that he would be using a new technique that he thought would push the limits of the shot put. He used his knowledge on the event to add an extra step, which lengthens the approach. It creates even more power in his throw. The new move has been referred to as ‘The Crouser Slide’.

The new technique got off to a mixed start in the indoor season. Crouser had some promising throws, highlighted by a 23.38m throw at the Simplot Games (it was not ratified as an indoor world record due to the throwing circle not meeting size requirements). He could not quite find his standard consistency, which is natural for using a new technique.

It all seemed to come together in May, though. Crouser smashed the world record with a 23.56m heave. But, what may have been most impressive is the consistency of the rest of his throws series. Crouser threw 23.31m and 23.23m for his second and third best throws on the day. These throws would both be some of the furthest all-time on their own. Crouser’s worst throw of the day was 22.80m, which would be enough to win a majority of global championships.

Clearly, Crouser’s new technique is already paying off. Now that he has the consistency with it, only time will tell how far he can push the event forward.

Crouser’s Style

Ryan Crouser has become an icon in the throws world not only for his elite performances, but the fact that he shows his personality. Crouser is not afraid to be true to who he is.

A look that Crouser has often brought out in recent years is his famous cowboy hat. Oftentimes, it is accompanied with a big grin from Crouser after a huge throw or major win.

Beyond just his fashion sense, Crouser is one of the most entertaining throwers to follow for his personality. He is not afraid to let out a huge roar after a big throw, or hype up the crowd during an exciting competition. It brings a special energy to any event that he competes in.

Crouser is simply not afraid of being open. Even through his transition into a new throwing style, he remained transparent about the process of making his new technique work. He even explained to the media about how his training was progressing and that he was not expecting to throw anywhere close to a world record on the day he threw 23.56m.

Honesty like this gives the fan a real perspective on the process it takes to become one of the greats. It provides insight into the trials and tribulations of an athlete.

Moving Forward

There is not a better time to be following Ryan Crouser. Fresh off of another world record, he is primed to make yet another jump with his newly minted technique. It will be fascinating to see how he performs with ‘The Crouser Slide’ in Championship meets this Summer.

The World Championships in Budapest this August will certainly be a great time to witness Ryan Crouser compete at his best. Beyond that, the Paris Olympics are just around the corner. Next Summer, Crouser will try to become a three-time Olympic Champion in the shot put.

It will be thrilling to continue following Ryan Crouser on his path to legend status in the shot put.

Stay tuned for further professional Track & Field content, including meet previews, race analysis, and season projections. 

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