Ryan Crouser Faces Challenges Ahead of Paris Olympics

PARIS (AP) — Two-time Olympic shot put champion Ryan Crouser is adapting his training regimen as he prepares for the upcoming Paris Games. Once focused on repetitive throwing, Crouser's routine now emphasizes recovery techniques, including ice therapy, to address a nerve issue in his right arm. This condition, which required a medical procedure three months ago, has raised concerns about his ability to secure a third consecutive Olympic title. Crouser first experienced pain in the ulnar nerve of his elbow during the world indoor championships in March. The discomfort persisted, leading to an April procedure where doctors repositioned the nerve. Despite facing limited training opportunities, Crouser managed to clinch the title at the U.S. Olympic trials, ensuring his participation in Paris. He is now balancing his training with extensive rehabilitation, dedicating around two hours daily to elbow recovery alongside shot-put mechanics. The reigning world-record holder acknowledges the challenges he has faced this season, including a previous health scare involving blood clots last summer. Crouser expressed a sense of gratitude for being able to compete, despite the hurdles. "This has been such a challenging spring and summer," he stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive outlook as he prepares for the Games. As the Paris Olympics approach, Crouser remains cautiously optimistic about his performance, recognizing that while things are improving, perfection is rarely attainable in sports. His focus now lies on maximizing his recovery and readiness for the competition ahead.