2023 Athletics Season: Shot Put & Throwing Events Highlights
Crouser Retains Shot Put Crown as Throwing Events Shine in 2023
As the 2023 athletics season draws to a close, we reflect on the key moments that defined the throwing events. In the men’s shot put, the spotlight shone brightly on the sport’s biggest name, Ryan Crouser of the United States.
Despite a late scare with two blood clots in his legs, Crouser retained his world title in Budapest, cementing his dominance in the discipline. The 30-year-old Olympic champion and world record holder dazzled with a series of impressive throws, including a championship record effort of 23.51m in the final.
Crouser’s victory was a triumph for his recently developed throwing technique, which involves an extra sidestep to provide greater traction. Hot on his heels were Italy’s Leonardo Fabbri, who claimed silver with a personal best of 22.34m, and Crouser’s compatriot Joe Kovacs, who took bronze with 22.12m.
The women’s shot put witnessed a dominant display from the United States’ Chase Ealey, who successfully defended her world title. Ealey effectively sealed the gold with her opening throw of 20.35m, which proved unbeatable. Canada’s Sarah Mitton earned silver, while China’s veteran Gong Lijiao took bronze.
“The 2023 throwing season was a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal and the remarkable talents of the athletes who push the boundaries of human performance.”
Across the disciplines, the 2023 season was marked by exceptional performances, with several athletes surpassing significant milestones. The men’s discus saw a historic final, as Sweden’s Daniel Stahl and Slovenia’s Kristjan Ceh both exceeded 70 meters, with Stahl ultimately emerging victorious.
In the women’s discus, Laulauga Tausaga of the United States produced a stunning upset, snatching the world title with a lifetime best of 69.49m, eclipsing the efforts of pre-event favorites Valarie Allman and Feng Bin.
The hammer throw also witnessed a changing of the guard, as 21-year-old Ethan Katzberg of Canada became the youngest ever men’s world champion, while Camryn Rogers, also of Canada, clinched the women’s title.
In the javelin, India’s Neeraj Chopra continued his meteoric rise, earning the men’s world title, while Japan’s Haruka Kitaguchi claimed the women’s crown with a dramatic final-round throw.
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