Ryan Crouser is on the brink of making Olympic history in Paris with a potential third gold medal win. As a three-time World Champion and two-time Olympian, his reputation precedes him. His record-breaking throw of 23.56 meters in May 2023 speaks volumes about his talent and dedication. However, what many people may not know is the profound influence of his grandfather, Larry Crouser, whose inspiration continues to propel Ryan toward greatness. Yet, there’s a twist.

At the 2022 Tokyo Olympics, Ryan Crouser achieved a remarkable milestone. His throw of 23.30 meters not only secured his second consecutive gold medal in the shot put but also set a new Olympic record. Behind this victory is a personal motivation, that is to fulfill his late grandfather’s dream. Though his grandfather passed away before witnessing this triumph, he continues to fulfill his dream every year.

Grandfather’s dying wish ignites an Olympic fire in Ryan Crouser

Larry battled cancer and passed away the day before Ryan left for the Tokyo Olympics. Despite this, Ryan could feel his grandfather’s presence, which motivated him in the competitions. Larry used to clip newspaper stories of Ryan’s victories and often asked Ryan, “When are you going to break the world record for me?”

Ryan fulfilled this wish at the Tokyo Olympics by smashing the world record, but his grandfather was no longer there to witness it. After breaking the record in Tokyo, Ryan held up a piece of paper that read, “Grandpa, We did it, 2020 Olympic Champion!” Ryan explained why it was important to pay tribute to his late grandfather.

“He was a huge part of my life. I was blessed to be able to spend as much time with him as I did,” Ryan said. He further added, “The very first time I threw shot put was actually in his backyard,” he recalled. It appears that he is ready to create a legacy not for himself but for his grandfather as he aims for the third Olympic medal.

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Crouser aims for a historic third consecutive gold at the Paris Olympics

During an interview on TODAY, Ryan Crouser shared that he feels increased pressure to secure a medal this time around. “If nothing else, just me personally knowing that the possibility’s there and having a bit of a target on my back in the sport simply because there’s been a select number that have won two, no one’s ever won three,“ Crouser said.

But for him, this third Olympics is “… an opportunity to be the first person ever to win three consecutive gold medals in the shot put.” Currently in the world ranking he is ranked number 2 in Men’s Overall Ranking but after making another gold in Paris will he be number one? It will surely be interesting to watch him in Paris.