Olympic champion ready to shine on U.S. soil

By Scott Bush, DyeStat Editor

It's only mid-April, but 2017 has already been a busy year for reigning Olympic shot put champion Ryan Crouser. Mixing up his post-Rio schedule, Crouser went head to head with Olympic bronze medalist Tom Walsh of New Zealand in a series of high-profile meets in Walsh's home country.

Crouser won the two contests, one in Auckland on Feb. 26 and the other in Christchurch on Feb. 19, throwing the top two marks in the world this season with 72-8 (22.15m) and 72-4.25 (22.05m) winning throws. As the only man to break the 22-meter barrier this season, so far, Crouser is off to a roaring start. 

The former University of Texas champion returned stateside after his New Zealand excursion and is now eyeing competition domestically, starting with the Kansas Relays next week. It was announced earlier this week that Crouser will headline the event's downtown shot put, which has become a staple among many of the top American throwers. 

Crouser will square off against Ryan Whiting, fellow Olympians Tim Nedow and Stephen Mozia, Kurt Roberts and Jon Jones. As expected, a lively crowd, music, beer and a unique set-up will make the shot put showcase an event worth watching.