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Ryan Crouser: 5 facts about Team USA's shot put king and now 3-time Olympic gold medalist

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 03: Ryan Crouser of Team United States reacts during the Men's Shot Put Final on day eight of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 03, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776138756 ORIG FILE ID: 2165127481
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 03: Ryan Crouser of Team United States reacts during the Men's Shot Put Final on day eight of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 03, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776138756 ORIG FILE ID: 2165127481

For the Paris Olympics this summer, For The Win is helping you get to know some of the star Olympians competing on the world’s biggest stage. We're highlighting 15 Team USA athletes in the 15 days leading up to the Opening Ceremony. Up next is Ryan Crouser.

You don't need to know a ton about shot put to know Ryan Crouser is an absolute star. The 31-year-old from Texas took home the gold medal at the last two Olympics in Rio and Tokyo, respectively, and will be considered the favorite until someone actually dethrones him.

That may be easier said than done considering all he's accomplished in a storied career.

Here are the five things you need to know about him.

UPDATE: Crouser made history, winning his third straight shot put Olympic gold medal August 3.

1. You won't have to guess when he makes a perfect throw

Crouser famously began celebrating the moment the ball left his hand during the 2021 Tokyo Olympic trials when he broke the world record at 23.37 meters.

2. The shot put record book is just his name over and over again

Aug 5, 2021; Tokyo, Japan; Ryan Crouser (USA) celebrates after winning the shot put in an Olympic record 76-5 1/2 (23.30m) during the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

We're not really joking here, either. Among the top-25 outdoor shot put throws ever, Crouser owns 14 of them, as well as the indoor record at 22.82 meters.

Yet, it's his ability to consistently perform at this level that's allowed him to dominate the sport. Crouser is currently owns the men's world record (23.56m), Olympic record (23.30m), world championship record (23.51m) and World Indoor Championship record (22.77m).

3. Crouser consumes between 5,000-6,000 calories per day when training

Jun 22, 2024; Eugene, OR, USA; Ryan Crouser wins the shot put at 74-11 1/4 (22.84m) during the US Olympic Team Trials at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

At least that's what he was doing in 2021, according to People magazine. I wish I could tell you that's the worst part, but sadly there's also this: He also drinks 16 ounces of milk every day over the course of his FIVE meals. That's half a gallon. Per. Day.

4. He comes from a family of Olympians

Mitch Crouser (Ryan's dad) was an alternate on the 1984 Olympic team, Brian Crouse (Ryan's uncle) competed in javelin throw at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul and again in Barcelona four years later but never placed better than 21st.

5.Men's shot put at the Olympics begins on August 2

Set those alarms for 2:10 p.m ET on August second when qualification begins because you will regret not witnessing the sheer strength and force of Ryan Crouser in real time.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Ryan Crouser: 5 facts about Team USA's shot put king and now 3-time Olympic gold medalist