PARIS, France — What an Olympic journey for Boring, Oregon’s Ryan Crouser! Paris marks his third Olympics, and now his third gold medal, throwing shot put. This time around, Crouser said in a way it felt like the pressure was off. In 2016, he felt like the new kid. Then Tokyo 2020 was a pandemic pressure cooker.
"And here (in Paris) I just felt so appreciative, I felt happy to be here, lucky to be here; there was a lot of time this spring that I felt like I might not make the Olympic team at all," he said.
That's because Crouser’s road to Paris included a difficult recovery from injuries, and dealing with pain every time he'd throw the 16-pound shot. But nothing was going to stop him from competing at the highest level, and his supporters — from his family in the stands to the group watching at Crouser’s alma mater, Sam Barlow High School — got to see history made by one of their own.
It was a thrill for them, and for Crouser.
"The Barlow community, that whole east county community, is so tight knit, so I just want to say thank you to everyone who supported me every step of the journey. You all have been awesome, so I’m glad you got to share in the moment," said the three-time gold medalist.
Since taking the top of the podium in Paris, Crouser has been busy. He was on NBC’s Today Show Monday morning to talk about his Olympic gold three-peat, as well as what's next for him. And for this now-veteran competitor from Oregon, the Olympic flame is still burning.
"The ultimate goal would be 2028, an absolute dream as I think any American Olympian would want to retire on American soil, so it would be great timing in terms of my career, and it would be the dream come true," said Crouser.
The next Olympics Summer Games will be held in Los Angeles in 2028.