Crouser Retains Shot Put Title at Worlds After Nearly Staying Home Due to Blood Clots

Ryan Crouser, of the United States, poses after winning the gold medal and setting a new championship record in the Men's shot put final during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, on Aug. 19, 2023. Matthias Schrader/AP Photo

BUDAPEST, Hungary—OK, so, Ryan Crouser didn’t set a new world record. This win felt even better than that.

Just before the American shot-putter was scheduled to leave for the world athletics championships in Budapest, Crouser was diagnosed with two blood clots in his lower leg. The doctors told him it was safe to fly and it was up to him and his family whether to compete.