Ryan Crouser Eyes Historic Third Olympic Gold with Support from His Dog

Ryan Crouser, a prominent figure in shot put, recently shared insights into his journey to overcome injury and secure a gold medal at the U.S. Olympic trials in Oregon. This victory positions him to potentially make history in Paris by becoming the first man to win three Olympic gold medals in shot put. Crouser attributes much of his recovery and mental focus to his dog, Koda, who has become an unexpected yet vital training partner. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Crouser expressed how Koda's enthusiasm during workouts has positively influenced his training routine. "She's always up for it," he remarked, highlighting the joy she brings to his practice sessions, whether it’s fetching the shot put or simply being by his side. This companionship has not only enhanced his physical training but also provided emotional support. Crouser also discussed the challenge of separating his self-worth from his athletic performance, a struggle many athletes face. He noted that Koda plays a crucial role in helping him navigate this aspect of his life. "It’s really easy to take that and internalize it," he explained, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy perspective on success and failure in sports. Currently holding the world record in both indoor and outdoor shot put, Crouser has previously won Olympic gold in Rio (2016) and Tokyo (2021). As he prepares for the upcoming Olympics, his bond with Koda continues to be a source of strength and motivation.