Ryan Crouser Wins Men’s Shot Put Gold in Glasgow

The Big Shot from Boring, Oregon, Seals the Deal on Men’s Shot Put Gold in Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland (World Athletics Indoor Championships) – On the opening night of the World Athletics Indoor Championships, the big shot from Boring, Oregon, Ryan Crouser, put the record straight in the men’s shot put final. With a championship record throw of 22.77m on his penultimate attempt, Crouser claimed the elusive gold medal, completing his glittering collection of major shot put titles.

It was a moment of sweet redemption for the two-time world outdoor and Olympic champion, and world record-holder. Two years ago, at the last edition of the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Crouser had set a championship record of 22.44m, only to see it snatched away by Brazil’s Darlan Romani, who took the gold with a throw of 22.53m.

This time, there was no denying the American. Crouser landed the four farthest throws of the competition, including his winning mark of 22.77m, along with efforts of 22.69m, 22.51m, and 22.36m. His only other valid throw measured exactly 22 meters.

“It’s a big honour,” said Crouser. “There’s a fantastic atmosphere tonight – a great energy to feed off. Technically, it was a bit iffy at times, but the power was there. It’s a great stepping stone to the Olympics for me.”

New Zealand’s Tom Walsh celebrated his 32nd birthday with a silver medal, his fifth successive World Indoor podium finish. The champion in 2016 and 2018, and a bronze medalist in 2014 and 2022, Walsh nailed a first-round throw of 22.07m to claim the runner-up spot.

Italy’s Leonardo Fabbri, the silver medalist behind Crouser at last year’s outdoor World Championships in Budapest, added bronze with a best effort of 21.96m. His Italian teammate Zane Weir took fourth with 21.85m, while another Kiwi, Jacko Gill, finished fifth with 21.69m.

With the gold medal now secured, Crouser can look ahead to his shot at Olympic glory later this year.

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