PARIS, France — Ryan Crouser is looking to make history at the Paris Olympics as the world record holder in men's shot put from Boring, Oregon is gearing up for his third Olympic Games.
Crouser is one of the most dominant athletes in shot put, holding the two longest throws in men's shot put history and he took home the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Games and 2021 Tokyo Games. While the records and medals are incredible, they are not what motivates Crouser.
"The titles and accolades are fantastic, but it's tough to be motivated by them because at some point that'll end, but that feeling of 'I'm better today than I was yesterday,' is really what motivates me, chasing that feeling," said Crouser.
Time and time again, Crouser has proved he is one of the all-time greats and this year, he has the chance to make history.
"It would be a dream come true, I mean, any track and field athlete you grow up and dream about winning the Olympics, let alone three times," said Crouser. "In my sport no one has ever won three consecutive golds, or three golds at all, so it would be a testament to the longevity of my career."
Though he has dominated the last eight years of shot put, injuries have plagued him recently with a torn pectoral muscle and a nagging elbow injury but wouldn't change anything about it.
"It can be extremely frustrating. In the back of your mind, you're thinking 'I just can't catch a break.' Hard work pays off it just doesn't necessarily pay off right when you want it to. At the end of the day, it's throwing a heavy ball as far as I can, the sport doesn't owe me anything," said Crouser.
Because of injuries the 31-year-olds first throw in three months was at the Olympic Trials, the atmosphere reminded him that he's still got it.
"Awesome atmosphere in Eugene felt like a hometown crowd, they were so supportive which was awesome," said Crouser. "As soon as I walked out there, and I got in the ring. It just felt like riding a bike I've done this so many times."
Crouser will take center stage once again during the Olympics where he will be looking to make history at the shotput final on August 3.