Two-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Crouser discusses the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris and how he views the Games as the ultimate unifier.
American shot put star Ryan Crouser, who recently became the first three-time gold medalist in the men's event at the Paris Olympics, has expressed his admiration for the unifying spirit of the Games. Crouser, who is also the current world and Olympic record holder, believes that the Olympics have the power to bring people together from all walks of life.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Crouser recalled the historic moment in Paris, adding that this medal was his favorite because it was the first time he was able to truly enjoy the Olympics. "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 lose. Where [in] Paris, I felt more free to enjoy it."
American Shot Put Star Ryan Crouser Lauds Paris Olympics for Unifying Spirit
Crouser's path to the Olympics was not without adversity, including an elbow injury and an injury to his pectoral muscle. He believes that overcoming these challenges contributed to his success. "I think some of it was the adversity that I had to overcome earlier in the year with the injuries, and also just personal growth [with it being] later in my athletic career, kind of realizing and trying to focus on the more positive things instead of the negatives. [And] so I feel like that was a sign of growth as well. So, I'm proud of my ability to enjoy this Olympics, more so than past ones. I feel like that's a sign of growth for me as an individual."
Crouser now has the most Olympic gold medals in men's shot put, breaking a tie with legendary American shot putters Parry O'Brien and Ralph Rose, as well as Poland's Tomasz Majewski. However, he is not resting on his laurels and is already setting his sights on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where he hopes to retire on American soil.
American Shot Put Star Ryan Crouser Lauds Paris Olympics for Unifying Spirit
"L.A. for me is kind of the ultimate dream," the 31-year-old said. "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."
In the meantime, Crouser is focused on his training and recovery, which includes the use of supplements. He has partnered with health and wellness company Thorne for several years, which provides him with supplements that are third-party tested to the highest stringency. "I get tested in competition and randomly get drug tested out of competition up to 30, almost 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 said.
American Shot Put Star Ryan Crouser Lauds Paris Olympics for Unifying Spirit
Crouser is confident that Thorne's commitment to quality supplements is on par with his own commitment to training and focus. "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."
Crouser is an inspiration to athletes and fans alike, and his dedication to the Olympics and his sport is a testament to the true spirit of the Games. He is a reminder that the Olympics are more than just a competition; they are a celebration of human potential and a platform for unity and understanding around the world.
American Shot Put Star Ryan Crouser Lauds Paris Olympics for Unifying Spirit
