Ryan Crouser’s Historic Shot Put Victory at the 2025 World Championships
Ryan Crouser solidified his status as one of athletics’ all-time greats by winning his third consecutive world championship in the men’s shot put on a momentous Saturday in Tokyo. This remarkable achievement complements his prestigious gold medal victory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he made history as the first man to secure three straight Olympic golds in the event. Crouser’s exceptional journey, characterized by resilience and determination, speaks volumes about his talent and commitment to the sport.
The Triumph in Tokyo
Crouser clinched gold with an impressive throw of 22.34 meters (73 feet, 3 1/2 inches), a distance that not only showcased his skill but also demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. He faced tough competition from Mexico’s Uziel Muñoz, who earned silver with a commendable throw of 21.97 meters, while Italy’s Leonardo Fabbri secured bronze. Crouser’s victory puts him alongside Switzerland’s Werner Günthör, making him only the second man ever to achieve three consecutive shot put titles at the World Championships.
Overcoming Adversity
The path to this championship was anything but straightforward for the 32-year-old athlete. Crouser has battled an elbow injury that hindered his training and competition throughout 2025. Before this victory, he had not participated in any national or global events, with his last appearance being a year prior. In April, he made a brief comeback at the World Shot Put Series at Drake University, but the road to Tokyo was filled with challenges.
Crouser managed to put together an exemplary performance, completing all six of his official shot put throws in a single day—one in the qualifying round and five during the final. His recent struggles with injury made this achievement even more significant and poignant.
The Injury Battle
The elbow issue has been a significant concern for Crouser, involving nerve entrapment that required careful management. Recent MRIs uncovered arthritis, bone spurs, and additional complications within his elbow joint. This kind of damage is not only painful but also a major hurdle for an athlete in a dynamic sport like track and field. His treatment regimen has included platelet-rich plasma injections aimed at alleviating the symptoms and promoting healing.
After the competition, Crouser reflected on his physical state, stating, “[The elbow] is on the road to recovery. It held up decently tonight. It’s going to be sore tomorrow… Not perfect technically, not in great physical shape, but managed to scrap out a win.” This candid admission highlights the grit and determination that defines his athletic spirit.
Team USA’s Continued Success
Crouser’s victory wasn’t the only triumph for the United States at the championships that day. The U.S. team also claimed gold in the mixed 4×400 meter relay, defending their title earned two years prior in Budapest. The team, consisting of Bryce Deadmon, Lynna-Irby Jackson, Jenoah McKiver, and Alexis Holmes, finished the race in an impressive time of 3:08.80, outpacing the defending Olympic gold medalists from the Netherlands, who came in second. Belgium secured the bronze with a time of 3:10.61, showcasing the competitive spirit of track and field on a global stage.
Looking Ahead
As Crouser looks toward the future, his victory in Tokyo reaffirms his legacy in the sport of shot put. The challenges he has faced serve not only as a backdrop to his success but also as motivation for upcoming competitions. Though the path may be fraught with obstacles, Crouser has proven time and again that he is a force to be reckoned with, embodying the resilience and tenacity that defines the world of athletics.