Ryan Crouser Eyes World Shot Put Record at London Diamond League Ahead of Olympics

American shot putter Ryan Crouser is aiming to break the world record at the London Diamond League, ahead of seeking his third Olympic gold in Paris. The 31-year-old is regaining form after an elbow injury and looks forward to a strong performance. Top athletes, including Noah Lyles and Femke Bol, will also headline the event.

American shot putter Ryan Crouser is eyeing a world record at the London Diamond League meeting on Saturday. This could serve as a perfect tune-up before he aims for a third Olympic gold medal in Paris. Crouser, 31, has already broken the world outdoor record twice, most recently with a throw of 23.56 meters in May 2023.

'I know it has a chance of being a world record before [the shot] even leaves my hand,' Crouser told reporters on Friday. 'If I can make it through the 'don't mess it up phase', I know I'll be in pretty good shape.' He added that a louder crowd might lead to bigger throws, potentially facilitating a new world record in the later rounds.

After struggling with an elbow injury ahead of the U.S. team trials, Crouser says he is finally fit. 'I feel good and I'm rounding into shape ahead of the Olympics. It has been a frustrating year, but there's been an upward trend since the trials,' said Crouser. Crouser is part of a star-studded lineup for the final Diamond League meet before the Olympic athletics competition begins on Aug. 1.

The event will also feature reigning world champion Noah Lyles in the men's 100-meter race and Femke Bol in the women's 400m hurdles. Bol and American reigning Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone are set for an intense showdown, with both athletes recently achieving sub-51 second times. 'It makes you dream big,' Bol said.

Some 58,000 fans are expected for Saturday's meet.

(With inputs from agencies.)