Ryan is the First Crouser to Win a Pre Classic Title

By RJ Chavez

The last name Crouser can be found in many record books across the history of track and field, but one place it was missing was at the Prefontaine Classic.

Coming off a personal best 73 feet and 10 3/4 inch throw, which won him a gold medal in the men’s shot put last year at the Rio Olympic Games, Ryan Crouser knew he had a chance of doing something special at the Prefontaine Classic. Just how special was the question.

In Crouser’s fifth attempt during the men’s shot put Saturday at the Pre Classic, he had a winning toss of 73-7 1/4. Not only did this throw earn him first place honors in the event, ahead of second-place Tom Walsh of New Zealand, but it also was both a Prefontaine Classic and Hayward Field record.

“To set the Prefontaine record here is something that I have thought about for a long time,” said Crouser. “And to finally do it it’s pretty special.”

Ryan is the first Crouser to own a Prefontaine Classic title. Which is hard to believe considering the lineage of Crouser athletes who hold track and field records.

Dean, Brian, Sam and Haley Crouser are all decorated track and field athletes who have broken records, won NCAA championships and appeared in the Olympics, but none of them had done what Ryan did Saturday in Eugene.

Current Texas Longhorn thrower Haley Crouser recognizes just how historic of a day her cousin had.

“It’s pretty crazy,” said Haley. “My dad just told me that his throw today was the farthest in Hayward field history, so having competed there so many times and knowing the history of Hayward, that’s pretty amazing. I’m so happy for him.”

Even after his second-best throw of all time and a couple of impressive ones that ended up being fouls, both Ryan and Haley know there’s still more in store for the 24-year-old thrower.

“Technically those throws weren’t the prettiest,” said Ryan. “Any time you’re fouling off the left side, it means you’re kind of slow and you’re leaving a lot of energy left to go into the ball. But that’s a good sign to be throwing close to 22 meters, over 71 feet, consistently.”

Haley added, “I know he’s going to do some even bigger things in the future.”

The future is approaching quickly for Ryan as the U.S. Outdoor Championships in Sacramento are about a month away and until then he will be in San Diego preparing for it.

“I’ll do some prep work, so that means back in the weight room a little bit and start throwing more,” said Ryan. “Get everything ready for USAs.”

RJ Chavez

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