In a physically demanding sport like the shot put, athletes must maintain peak physical condition to excel in competitions while constantly facing the risk of injury when they are most vulnerable. No one knows this better than Ryan Crouser, the undisputed legend in the shot put in recent times. The 31-year-old has appeared in Eugene to participate in the US Olympic track and field trial event. However, at the same time, he has explained a few of his painful experiences faced this year. Essentially Sports is live at US Track and Field trials.

Before moving to his trial episode, Ryan Crouser faced several questions based on the injury that made him grilled in the recent past. Narrating that experience, the two-time Olympic champion informed that his ulnar nerve created most issues in his right elbow in March. This doubled as tearing the pectoral muscle increased the pain. However, stating his present situation, Ryan said, “Everything feels good, it’s just the throw is starting to come.” Ultimately, the track and field trials in Eugene today are going to be Ryan Crouser’s first outdoor season opener. 

In February and March this year, he showcased his ability in the USA Indoor Championships and World Athletics Indoor Championships. In both contests, nobody could be seen to tackle RC’s gigantic throws, as he could easily earn the top podiums. But remaining at the top has its own painful tale to tell. Expressing that section, Ryan said that he was adamant about having the green signal in throwing, as, after his surgeries in the ulnar nerve, he was stopped from continuing his usual routine. But he had to wait until the week of Prefontaine Classic. 

He was not present at the Hayward Field at that time. But after receiving a nod from his physicians, he wasted no time to get his body ready, obviously for the June contest in the same field. The supporting elaboration remained as, “I’ve been hitting it hard in the weight room, doing a lot of plyos, a lot of sprints, because that hasn’t really been impeded by upper body injuries.” Now, he has nothing to worry about his health. Rather, on the route to earn his third Olympic gold, Ryan Crouser is aiming for a personal goal. 

Is it about records or anything else? Ryan Crouser holds the answer 

Last time in the Olympic trials, Ryan Crouser demolished the 30-year-old shot put a world record (23.37m). However, the towering athlete extended his ability and set a fresh record two years later, in the LA Grand Prix. At that time, he went on to throw a mammoth length of 23.56m, a record that still stands today. With two gold medals from the Olympics, a world record, and world championship titles (both indoor and outdoor), Ryan Crouser has become an institution for any shot putter. That should pacify him, coming to this age. But the man himself is looking for something else. 

Being the world record holder definitely soothes him. But he wants to create some more magic on the field by improving himself. That mindset led him to say, “Beyond the records, beyond the accolades and titles, it’s mostly about me trying to be as good as I can be.” Coming from a close-knit family, this mindset has received further blooming. 

He came to that point as he added, “I push myself because I want to be better. That’s what motivated me when I was younger… and what continues to do so is, is trying to throw a PR, trying to be the best today that I’ve ever been.” Now, he is in his hometown, Oregon, trying the trials once again. So, he will surely want to give another memorable performance. We have to wait to see whether he crosses himself this time.