Ryan Crouser celebrates at the Ivan Ivancic Memorial in Zagreb (© Zagreb Meeting)
Ryan Crouser and Tom Walsh – the only two athletes to have ever won at the Ivan Ivancic Memorial – will renew their rivalry when they return to Zagreb in May.
The Boris Hanzekovic Memorial, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series, will again take place over three days in 2025 and will incorporate the Ivan Ivancic Memorial shot put contest at Zagreb's fountains on 22 May. The same venue will host a women's high jump competition on 23 May, before the main Boris Hanzekovic Memorial is held at Sports park Mladost on 24 May.
The shot put will star USA’s world record-holder Crouser and his fellow multiple global gold medallist Walsh of New Zealand.
Two-time Olympic and world champion Crouser has won six times at the Ivan Ivancic Memorial, while three-time world indoor champion and two-time Olympic medallist Walsh has won five times.
They will go head-to-head again next month in Zagreb, where Crouser will return as the meeting record-holder after his 22.93m throw during last year’s event.
“I am excited to be coming back to Zagreb for 2025,” said Crouser, whose meeting record was one of 12 throws beyond 22 metres achieved during last year’s contest. “The shot put competition in front of the fountains is one of my favourites anywhere in the world. Come out, cheer loud and watch some far throws.”
Other athletes announced for the meeting include multiple global discus gold medallist Sandra Elkasevic, 2016 Olympic javelin champion Sara Kolak, world U20 high jump champion Angelina Topic and world U20 heptathlon champion Jana Koscak.
“I do not know how far I will throw the javelin, but I do know that I will give everything I have got to throw it far,” said Kolak. “I love throwing in Zagreb. After all, it is my home meet and my home crowd. That always gives me an extra boost. My main goal is to stay healthy and injury-free, and of course, to compete well at the World Championships in Tokyo.”
