Ryan Crouser confirms shot put dominance with third straight Olympic gold medal

SAINT-DENIS, France — The distance between Ryan Crouser and the runner-up was about 0.75 meters. The distance between Ryan Crouser and someone else who could possibly be called the best shot putter ever?

Let’s just say it’s measured in medals rather than 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 place as the GOAT of the shot put.

What makes this extra special is that at one point this year Crouser thought his career was over. An injury sidelined him for months, sapping his strength and opening the door for doubt to enter. He overcame that too.

Crouser said the injury prompted him to refine his technique, since he couldn’t rely so much on brute strength. The refinement has kept the 31-year-old ahead of the curve.

He’s so good, another exceptional shot put talent could end his career without ever winning Olympic gold. Joe Kovacs is as good as they come. He won 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 won gold at the 2019 World Championships in Doha with a sixth-round throw of 22.91. A young Crouser won silver with a sixth-round throw of 22.90.

Since then, Crouser has won two world championships and three Olympic gold medals. On Saturday, he left no doubt and lifted his legacy far above mere mortals.

Required reading

(Photo: Steph Chambers/Getty Images)