Ryan Crouser etched his name in Olympic history at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the first three-time gold medalist in men’s shot put, achieving this remarkable feat across three consecutive Olympic Games.
Despite this monumental accomplishment, Crouser sees the Paris Olympics as a stepping stone in his ongoing journey.
Ryan Crouser of Team USA competes in the men’s shot put final at the Olympic Games in Paris on August 3, 2024. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Reflecting on his experience in Paris, the American shot put star expressed that this gold medal holds a special place in his heart, marking the first Olympics where he could truly savor the moment.
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“For me, a big part of that victory was just being there. … I feel like that kind of freed me up in the sense to actually enjoy it. I felt like a lot of the pressure was off, as opposed to Tokyo where I had just come off of a world record. It felt like that Tokyo Olympics was mine to win.
Crouser attributed his ability to enjoy the Paris Olympics to the overcoming of adversity earlier in the year with injuries and personal growth, indicating a significant development in his athletic career and mindset.
Gold medalist Ryan Crouser of Team United States celebrates after competing in the men’s shot put final at the Tokyo Olympic Games on August 5, 2021. (David Ramos/Getty Images)
AMERICAN SHOT PUT STAR RYAN CROUSER LAUDS PARIS OLYMPICS FOR UNIFYING SPIRIT: ‘CHEER FOR THE SAME UNIFORM’
As the current world and Olympic record holder, Crouser clinched his third consecutive title with the longest throw of the competition at 22.90 meters, solidifying his status as the most decorated Olympic shot putter in history. This achievement surpassed the previous shared record held by legends like Parry O’Brien, Ralph Rose, and Tomasz Majewski.
Looking ahead to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, Crouser sees this event as a dream opportunity to potentially further extend his Olympic accolades.
“L.A. for me is kind of the ultimate dream,” Crouser commented. “Perhaps a year or two later than what would be logical if it wasn’t an American Olympic Games. But the chance to retire on American soil, I think, is just a little too alluring to try to not pass up. That’s kind of the dream come true, would be retiring with a gold in L.A. But I’ll take just making that team if nothing else. I would be happy with that.
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With his sights set on the next Olympics, Crouser is emphasizing his training and recovery, with a particular focus on the role of supplements in his regimen.
Ryan Crouser of Team USA celebrates after winning the men’s shot put final at the Olympic Games in Paris on August 3, 2024. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Having partnered with health and wellness company Thorne, Crouser highlighted the importance of taking supplements that meet the highest standards of competition to aid in his training and recovery.
“I get tested in competition and randomly get drug tested out of competition up to nearly 40 times a year. So, what I’m putting in my body for me is extremely important. And so I only take supplements that are third-party tested to the highest stringency,” he emphasized.
“Thorne being the highest level in terms of quality third-party testing, that for me is kind of what attracted me to them in the first place and has made our partnership so successful is that … level and commitment that they have to their products; that kind of goes hand-in-hand with the level and commitment that I have to my training and my focus, and it helps me train in my best just knowing exactly what I’m putting in my body is exactly what’s on the label.”
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