Ryan Crouser: 5 facts about Team USA's shot put king and now 3-time Olympic gold medalist

For the Paris Olympics this summer, For The Win is helping you get to know some of the star Olympians competing on the world’s biggest stage. We’re highlighting 15 Team USA athletes in the 15 days leading up to the Opening Ceremony. Up next is Ryan Crouser.

You don’t need to know a ton about shot put to know Ryan Crouser is an absolute star. The 31-year-old from Texas took home the gold medal at the last two Olympics in Rio and Tokyo, respectively, and will be considered the favorite until someone actually dethrones him.

That may be easier said than done considering all he’s accomplished in a storied career.

Here are the five things you need to know about him.

UPDATE: Crouser made history, winning his third straight shot put Olympic gold medal August 3.

1. You won’t have to guess when he makes a perfect throw

Crouser famously began celebrating the moment the ball left his hand during the 2021 Tokyo Olympic trials when he broke the world record at 23.37 meters.

The Shot Put King 👑 One week until the 2x defending Olympic gold medalist #RyanCrouser takes the sector at TrackFieldTrials24. #mtusa #olympics #teamusa #usatf #trackandfield #shotput #goldmedal #worldrecord #parisolympics @USATF @NBC Olympics & Paralympics

2. The shot put record book is just his name over and over again

We’re not really joking here, either. Among the top-25 outdoor shot put throws ever, Crouser owns 14 of them, as well as the indoor record at 22.82 meters.

Yet, it’s his ability to consistently perform at this level that’s allowed him to dominate the sport. Crouser is currently owns the men’s world record (23.56m), Olympic record (23.30m), world championship record (23.51m) and World Indoor Championship record (22.77m).

3. Crouser consumes between 5,000-6,000 calories per day when training

At least that’s what he was doing in 2021, according to People magazine. I wish I could tell you that’s the worst part, but sadly there’s also this: He also drinks 16 ounces of milk every day over the course of his FIVE meals. That’s half a gallon. Per. Day.

4. He comes from a family of Olympians

Mitch Crouser (Ryan’s dad) was an alternate on the 1984 Olympic team, Brian Crouse (Ryan’s uncle) competed in javelin throw at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul and again in Barcelona four years later but never placed better than 21st.

5.Men’s shot put at the Olympics begins on August 2

Set those alarms for 2:10 p.m ET on August second when qualification begins because you will regret not witnessing the sheer strength and force of Ryan Crouser in real time.