RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — One came from a family filled with top-notch throwers. The other learned from his mom by using any heavy object that felt something like a shot put.
Both paths led to the same place — an Olympic medal.
Ryan Crouser captured gold with an Olympic-record throw of 22.52 meters Thursday night to hold off U.S. teammate and favorite Joe Kovacs in the shot put final. It's the first time since 1996 the U.S. has finished 1-2 in the event and gives the Americans 25 medals in track and field in Rio, including nine gold.