Lehigh Valley native Joe Kovacs chases Olympic gold again in Paris

Joe Kovacs’ resume is stellar: two-time world champion, two-time Olympic silver medalist, Big Ten outdoor champion, PIAA champion and District 11 record holder.

His career-best throw in the shot put is 76.2 feet, second-best in the history of the event.

One thing missing: an Olympic gold medal.

Kovacs will get another shot at the 2024 Olympics, which start later this month in Paris. The Bethlehem Catholic and Penn State graduate will be competing Aug. 2-3 in the men’s shot put.

The 35-year-old Kovacs is the second greatest shot putter in history. The problem is the best ever in the sport also is competing in this year’s Olympics.

Ryan Crouser, 31, is a two-time Olympic champion, three-time world champion, four-time NCAA gold medalist and the outdoor and indoor record holder.

Crouser set the Olympic record three times at the 2021 competition in Tokyo.

Kovacs has had a stellar 2024 season. He won the Prefontaine Classic with a world-leading throw of 75.89 feet, the seventh-longest throw ever, and the LA Grand Prix. Kovacs finished second to Crouser at last month’s Olympic trials.

The Nazareth native is coached by his wife Ashley, who is Vanderbilt’s throwing coach and U.S. Olympic women’s throwing coach.

Morning Call reporter Tom Housenick can be reached at 610-820-6651 or at thousenick@mcall.com