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Despite Having Two Blood Clots, Olympic Shot Putter Finds Perfect Way to American Glory at World Athletics Championship

Published 08/21/2023, 8:03 AM EDT

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The United States of America has officially won its first medal at the 2023 World Athletics Championship. In fact, the US has struck gold, and the stars and stripes are swaying in all glory in Budapest. However, this golden victory was not an easy one.

In fact, the champion who brought America its first glory was in a lot of pain while competing. Ryan Crouser was diagnosed with two blood clots in his calf. However, the champion chose to fly to Hungary and quell the hunger of his homeland at the World Athletics Championship.

The unstoppable fury of the Olympian

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Ryan Crouser is a bonafide gold-winning slot machine for the US. Crouser has participated in two Olympics so far and has won gold both times. In fact, Crouser is also the world and Olympic record holder in the shot put. The unstoppable Olympian has not been bested so far. However, things looked grim for the star athlete for this year’s World Athletics Championship. Crouser said that he was experiencing terrible pain in his calf. According to Crouser, “The day before I was supposed to leave, to come to world champs. Doppler showed two blood clots in my left leg. Myself and my family made the decision to go ahead and travel.”

The World Athletics Championship proved to be too big of a stage for Crouser to give up. He said that he trained for the event nonetheless while managing his pain. The Olympian noted, “My training has up until this event had been really good. And so, we manage as best as we can. Yeah, I mean, I’m just happy to be here at this point.” Fans were worried about their champion and were skeptical about his appearance at the World Athletics Championship. However, Crouser didn’t just win; he almost broke his own world record.

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An almost new record at World Athletics Championship

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The blood clots in his left leg could not overpower Ryan Crouser. However, they did cause him a lot of pain and struggle. “The last 20 days have been some of the most frustrating and stressful of my life,” said Crouser. The Olympian thanked his medical team, who made his participation and victory possible. The medical team ensured that Crouser’s doors for the 2023 World Athletics Championship remain open. Despite the excruciating pain, Crouser said that he could have almost created a new world record.

The current world record sits at 23.56 meters. Crouser’s throw at the 2023 World Athletics Championship reached an insanely close distance of 23.51 meters. While Crouser received appreciation from all directions, he said that he could have done better. The world champion said that he had better form and technique compared to the world record throw.

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Crouser estimated that the pain in his legs cost him roughly 30 centimeters of distance. While Crouser’s appetite couldn’t be satisfied at the World Athletics Championship, he will definitely surpass himself in Paris. The world will wait for its champion to create another world record at the grandest sporting event in 2024.

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Written by:

Ankit Singh

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Ankit Singh is a pro writer for US Sports at Essentially Sports. This surfing enthusiast has kept his watchful eye on all things Kelly Slater. With his prior experience as a senior writer for popular blogs in the country, Ankit brings his attention to detail to the nuances of every turn, snap, 360, and alley-oop on the surfboard.
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