Crouser completes American/UT sweep in Olympic shot put

By Steve Lansdale

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — For the second time in a week, a Texas Longhorn has won a gold medal in the shot put at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Last week, it was former Texas star Michelle Carter who set a new American record to finish first among the women at the summer games. Not to be outdone, UT's Ryan Crouser set a new Olympic record Thursday with a heave of 22.52 meters (73 feet, 10.75 inches) to win the men's event.

Three of Crouser's six throws flew at least 22 meters, and all traveled at least 21.15 meters. His gold medal-winning toss — his fifth of six throws — was among the top 10 of all time.

The UT graduates are the first teammates from any nation to win gold in the men's and women's shot put at any Olympic games.