Ryan Crouser and Joe Kovacs at the Millrose Games (© Getty Images and Ross Dettman)
Ryan Crouser and Joe Kovacs will renew their rivalry at the Millrose Games when the shot put stars compete at the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting in New York on 11 February.
This historic head-to-head will surely be one of the most anticipated clashes of the entire event, held at the New Balance Track & Field Center at The Armory.
At this point in his career, Crouser’s claim to ‘greatest of all-time’ status is virtually undisputed. After winning his first Olympic gold medal in 2016, Crouser set indoor and outdoor world records in 2021, and he retained his title in Tokyo with the most dominant performance in the history of the men's shot put, launching all six attempts beyond the previous Olympic record. He won his first world title in Oregon this year. Every time he steps in the ring, the world record is under threat.
“I’m excited to make a return to the Millrose Games again this year,” said Crouser. “The meet is always the best meet of the indoor circuit, and always a highlight for me. The shot put has hit new levels the past few years and I see no slowing down for the event. I’m pushing every day to break new ground and I hope to show that at Millrose on 11 February.”
His greatest challenger will come in the form of Kovacs, his friend and global rival. Kovacs is a two-time world champion, who memorably edged out Crouser by just one centimetre at the Doha event in 2019. He also took Olympic silver behind Crouser in both 2016 and 2021.
Earlier this year, Kovacs set the world-leading mark ahead of Crouser, moving up to second on the all-time performance list and winning the prestigious Wanda Diamond League final in Zurich with a 23.23m throw, just 14cm off Crouser's world record.
“The Millrose Games is the most historic indoor track meet on US soil,” said Kovacs. “I am honoured to be a part of its 115th year history and excited for the opportunity to make history at this year’s shot put show.”
The Millrose Games is the fourth of the seven meetings that in 2023 will make up the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold series. The season starts in Karlsruhe, Germany, on 27 January before stops in Boston, Torun, New York, Lievin, Madrid and Birmingham.
Already announced for New York are two other athletes who are also the best in the world in their event, pole vaulters Katie Nageotte and Sandi Morris. Now added to the event is the 2016 Olympic Games champion Katerina Stefanidi from Greece.
For further information on the Millrose Games, visit the event website.
Organisers for World Athletics
