Shot put
The shot put is a track and field throwing event in which an athlete uses one hand to propel a heavy spherical metal ball, called a shot, from a standing position inside a circular throwing area to achieve the maximum horizontal distance.[1] The event requires the shot to be "put" from the shoulder without dropping or throwing it, with the hand remaining in contact or close to the neck or chin throughout the motion until release.[1] Originating from ancient Greek practices of throwing stones for distance, the modern shot put evolved through medieval European cannonball-throwing contests and 19th-century Scottish Highland Games, where rounded stones or metal weights were used.[2] It became a staple of the Olympic Games for men starting in 1896 and for women in 1948, with the United States historically dominating the men's competition by securing gold medals in every Olympics from 1896 to 1968 except 1920 and 1936.[2] Governed internationally by World Athletics, the event is contested at various levels, including senior, under-20, and under-18 categories, with standardized equipment and facilities ensuring fair competition.[3] The throwing circle measures 2.135 meters in diameter, featuring a 10 cm high stopboard positioned 1.21 to 1.23 meters wide at the front to prevent forward stepping during the put.[1] The shot itself is a solid metal sphere—typically iron, brass, or a lead-filled shell—with a smooth surface and specified weights: 7.260 kg for senior men (diameter 110–130 mm), 4.000 kg for senior women (95–110 mm), and lighter variants for youth categories.[1] A valid throw requires the shot to land within a 34.92° sector marked by lines extending from the circle's center, and the athlete must exit the circle from the rear half after the shot lands, without any body part touching outside the circle or the top/outside of the stopboard or rim beforehand.[1] Fouls occur for violations such as stepping beyond the circle, improper release, or landing outside the sector, resulting in no measurement for that attempt.[1] Distances are measured from the shot's nearest mark to the circle's inside edge, along a straight line to the center, using a calibrated steel tape and recorded to the nearest centimeter below the actual distance.[1] Athletes employ two primary techniques: the glide style, involving a linear backward-to-forward slide across the circle while rotating the body, or the rotational (spin) style, mimicking a discus throw with a full 360° turn to generate momentum—both aiming for a release angle under 45° for optimal distance.[2] The event's world records stand at 23.56 meters for men, set by Ryan Crouser of the United States in 2023, and 22.63 meters for women, achieved by Natalya Lisovskaya of the Soviet Union in 1987.[2] Notable figures include Crouser, a three-time Olympic champion; women's icon Valerie Adams of New Zealand, with three Olympic golds; and consistent performers like Joe Kovacs (men) and Gong Lijiao (women).[2] Shot put emphasizes explosive power, precise technique, and strength, making it a cornerstone of field events in global athletics competitions.[3]Fundamentals
Event Overview
The shot put is a track and field event in which athletes use one hand to propel a heavy spherical object, known as the shot, from a throwing circle to achieve the maximum possible distance without stepping beyond the circle's boundary.[2] The objective is to land the shot in a designated sector while adhering to the rules of the throw, emphasizing explosive power, technique, and precision. The throwing area consists of a circle with an inside diameter of 2.135 meters, constructed from concrete or a similar material and surrounded by a metal rim painted white. A stop board, or toe board, measuring 1.21 meters in length and 0.10 meters in height, is positioned at the front of the circle to prevent forward stepping during the throw. The landing sector extends outward at an angle of 34.92 degrees from the circle's center, marked by white lines, with distances measured from the shot's nearest mark to the circle's inner edge along a straight line through the center, recorded to the nearest 0.01 meter. As one of the four primary throwing events in track and field—alongside the discus throw, hammer throw, and javelin throw—the shot put is governed internationally by World Athletics.[2] It has been a core Olympic event since the inaugural modern Games in 1896 for men and was added for women in 1948, remaining a staple through the 2024 Paris Olympics and into 2025 competitions.[2] The sport traces its origins to the 18th and 19th centuries in Scotland and Ireland, evolving from traditional stone-throwing contests in Highland Games, though its full historical development is detailed elsewhere.[4] In para-athletics, variations include standing and seated shot put classes under the F prefix (e.g., F35–F38 for coordination impairments and F51–F57 for seated throws), accommodating athletes with diverse impairments as classified by World Para Athletics.[5]Throwing Rules and Regulations
In shot put, the athlete must begin the throw from a stationary position inside a throwing circle with an inner diameter of 2.135 meters (±0.005 meters), ensuring both feet are in contact with the ground within the circle and without touching the top of the rim or the ground outside it.[6] The shot must be held close to the neck or chin with one hand only, positioned above the shoulder level, and the athlete may not drop it below this height or take it behind the shoulder line prior to release.[6] Rocking or preliminary movements that displace the feet are prohibited until the shot is released, maintaining stability to ensure a fair start.[6] For a throw to be legal, the shot must be "put" (pushed from the shoulder) and released with one hand while the athlete remains entirely within the circle until the implement lands, without touching the stopboard except on its inner surface.[6] The shot must land within the designated sector, marked by two radii forming a 34.92-degree angle from the center of the circle, and measurements are taken only after a valid release from the inner edge of the circle (or the nearest impact mark) to the nearest mark made by the shot. The distance of a throw shall be measured from the inside of the circumference of the circle to the nearest mark made by the shot in the landing sector, measured along a straight line from the centre of the circle, and recorded to the nearest 0.01 m below the actual distance.[6] No mechanical aids or devices are permitted to assist in the throw, except for tape applied to the fingers or hand for grip, and cartwheeling techniques—where the athlete rotates on one hand—are explicitly banned.[6] After release, the athlete must exit the circle by pausing momentarily or leaving from the rear half without stepping on or over the lines extended from the sector.[6] Fouls result in disqualification of the throw and are determined by several criteria, including stepping outside the circle or touching the top of the rim before the shot lands, the shot landing outside the sector, or failing to exit the circle rearward after release.[6] Additional fouls include improper release, such as using both hands or dropping the shot below shoulder level during the put, or any contact with the stopboard beyond its inner side.[6] Officials may call a foul if the athlete leaves the circle prematurely or if the throw violates the one-hand push requirement.[6] A common misconception is that legal throws require a minimum distance to be valid; in reality, there is no such threshold, and any throw meeting the technical criteria is measured and counts toward the competition, regardless of length.[7] As of 2025, World Athletics has incorporated electronic aids like Video Distance Measurement systems for precise validation of throw distances and foul calls in close situations, enhancing accuracy during competitions.[8] For inclusivity in para athletics, seated throws are permitted in designated events, conducted from a circle of 2.135 m ± 0.005 m in diameter, with the athlete in a seated position having their trunk upright and buttocks in contact with the ground or a designated throwing mat or chair within the circle. A stop board is not required for seated throws, allowing athletes with lower-limb impairments to compete while maintaining the core putting technique.[9]Techniques
Glide Technique
The glide technique in shot put is a linear throwing method where the athlete begins facing away from the direction of the throw, generating momentum through a backward slide across the throwing circle before pivoting to deliver the shot. This style emphasizes a controlled glide on the power foot, typically covering 1-2 meters, to build velocity while maintaining balance and alignment. It relies on explosive lower body extension to transfer power sequentially from the legs and hips to the upper body and arm during release.[10][11] The mechanics begin with the athlete in a crouched starting position at the rear of the circle, with the power foot (right for right-handed throwers) placed near the center line and the non-power foot extended forward for balance. The shot is held under the chin with the hand at the base of the fingers, elbow tucked, and shoulders square to the rear. As the drive phase initiates, the athlete unseats the hips downward and backward, shooting the non-power leg toward the toeboard while explosively extending both legs to propel the body across the circle in a linear glide. During the flight phase, the power foot remains flat or slightly raised at the heel, with the knee driving toward the chest and hips opening toward the sector; the upper body stays low, with the chest over the thigh to preserve momentum. Upon reaching the power position near the front of the circle, the right leg plants under the center of mass, maximizing hip-shoulder separation, followed by a rapid trunk rotation and full arm extension over the shoulder for delivery, with the non-throwing arm blocking to aid balance. The athlete then reverses by kicking the non-power leg outward and turning 180 degrees to stay in the circle.[10][11] Biomechanically, the glide prioritizes a straight-line backward slide of approximately 1-2 meters to accumulate momentum without excessive rotation, allowing for efficient power transfer from the lower body—through hip and knee extension—to the upper body via ground reaction forces. This linear path enables greater emphasis on vertical and horizontal force production in the delivery, with the power foot driving off the heel to avoid hopping and maintain a low center of mass. Key to success is achieving maximum hip-shoulder separation in the power position, which stores elastic energy for release, while the non-throwing arm's block stabilizes the torso and enhances throwing arm path efficiency.[10][11] Advantages of the glide technique include its relative simplicity, making it more accessible for beginners and athletes who prioritize strength over explosive speed, as it requires less coordination than rotational styles. It promotes consistency by focusing on a stable power position and linear force application, which can lead to reliable distances for strength-dominant throwers. Additionally, the technique builds foundational skills like hip drive and blocking that transfer to other methods.[11][10] Historically, the glide technique dominated shot put from the early 20th century and was revolutionized in the 1950s by American athlete Parry O'Brien, who shifted the starting position 180 degrees from the traditional method, enabling a longer push and greater velocity; this "O'Brien Glide" propelled him to multiple Olympic golds and world records, influencing throwers until the mid-1970s when rotational styles emerged. It remained a primary method through the late 20th century, used by Olympic champions such as Michelle Carter and Tomasz Majewski. As of 2025, the glide continues to be employed by select elite athletes, including those competing at the World Championships, where it coexists with rotational techniques for its proven reliability.[12][10][2] Post-2020 modern adaptations have included hybrid elements, such as incorporating slight rotational setups—like an "out-and-over" hip entry or drop-in positioning inspired by athletes like Alessandro Andrei—to enhance glide length and momentum without fully transitioning to spin, yielding distance gains for select throwers through improved velocity and separation. These evolutions address stagnation in pure glide performance by blending linear stability with minor angular acceleration.[13]Rotational Technique
The rotational technique, also known as the spin, involves the athlete generating power through a series of rotations within the throwing circle to propel the shot. This method emphasizes angular momentum to achieve greater release speeds compared to linear approaches.[14] In execution, the athlete begins in the starting position at the side of the circle, facing away from the throwing direction, with feet shoulder-width apart straddling the centerline, neutral pelvis alignment, and the shot positioned high on the neck with the thumb pointing down for stability.[15] The thrower then initiates the wind-up by shifting weight to the left leg (for right-handed athletes), rotating on the ball of the left foot while opening the hips and sweeping the right leg inward to begin the first half-rotation, building initial angular momentum.[16] This transitions into the full spin phase, involving approximately 1.5 rotations: the right leg drives forward from the outside to the center, creating separation between the upper and lower body, while the left foot lifts during the non-support flight phase to maintain posture and forward momentum.[15] The sequence culminates in the delivery, where the athlete accelerates into the second double-support phase with an explosive hip drive, aggressively turning the right foot and hip while aligning the left toe with the right heel, extending the right side and lifting the left elbow to release the shot behind the right hip.[16] Biomechanically, the technique relies on centrifugal force generated during the rotations, which increases with a wider right-leg swing to enhance stability and shot trajectory, combined with full-body coordination that links rotational and linear movements through synchronous muscle activation and a proximal-to-distal sequence for optimal force transfer.[17] This coordination maximizes velocity at release, typically reaching up to 14 m/s in elite performers, with the shot released at an optimal height of approximately 2 m and an angle of 37-41 degrees to achieve maximum distance.[18] The rotational technique offers advantages such as generating higher horizontal velocities through a longer acceleration path for the shot and higher release heights, making it particularly suited for taller athletes who can leverage greater leverage and momentum.[14] These factors have contributed to distance records since the 1970s, when the style began influencing elite performances.[19] Historically, the rotational technique gained prominence in the 1970s through adoption by Eastern Bloc athletes, including the Soviet Union's Aleksandr Baryshnikov, who popularized the rotational technique by setting a world record in 1976 and winning Olympic silver that year, marking a shift toward spin-based throwing in international competition.[20] By 2025, nearly all elite male athletes use the rotational style, with all top-eight finishers at major championships employing it, while in women's events, the glide technique remains more prevalent among top performers, utilize this technique due to its performance edge.[21] Recent studies from the 2020s highlight potential injury risks associated with the rotational technique, including increased knee strain from the high rotational forces and abrupt lower-extremity loading during the non-support and delivery phases, which can elevate the incidence of patellofemoral pain and ligament stress compared to linear methods.[22] To mitigate these risks and enhance technique, athletes increasingly incorporate technology aids such as gyroscopic training tools, which simulate rotational momentum to improve balance, core stability, and hip drive without full implement loading.[23]Alternative Techniques
The cartwheel technique in shot put involves the athlete executing a sideways cartwheel motion within the throwing circle to generate initial momentum, culminating in a handstand-like pivot on one hand before releasing the shot.[24] This method was notably experimented with by female throwers around 2006, allowing for greater rotational speed and explosive power compared to traditional approaches.[25] Other variants include the hop-step method, an early acceleration technique from the 1930s to 1940s where the athlete rocked back on one leg, hopped forward on the opposite foot for balance, and delivered the put from a standing position.[26] The O'Brien shift, developed by American thrower Parry O'Brien in the early 1950s, modified prior linear styles by starting with the athlete facing backward in the circle, enabling a smoother glide and increased throwing distance through better body alignment.[27] In para-athletics, adaptations such as wheelchair spins or seated throws utilize a throwing chair secured with straps and brackets for stability, allowing athletes to rotate the upper body while maintaining a fixed lower-body position to comply with rules requiring contact from knee to buttocks on the seat.[28] These alternative techniques offer advantages in explosiveness, as the cartwheel and hop-step can enhance momentum generation beyond standard glides or rotations, potentially increasing throw distances by leveraging unconventional body mechanics.[26] However, they carry significant drawbacks, including high injury risk from the physical strain of pivots and hops, as well as technical complexity that demands exceptional coordination; the cartwheel, in particular, was banned by World Athletics shortly after its emergence because the shot drops below shoulder level during the motion, violating Rule 189.3 (now incorporated into technical specifications under Rule C2.2).[24] Since the 1980s, such methods have been rarely adopted by elite athletes in favor of safer, rule-compliant styles, though they persist in niche applications like youth training for building dynamic power or adaptive sports for accessibility.[12] As of 2025, wheelchair-based variants see modern use in Paralympic competitions, emphasizing upper-body torque within specialized frames to achieve competitive distances.[28]Equipment
Shot Design and Materials
The shot in shot put is designed as a solid spherical implement, typically constructed from metal to ensure durability and consistent performance during competition. According to World Athletics technical rules, the shot must be spherical with a smooth surface, exhibiting an average surface height of less than 1.6 μm to minimize irregularities that could affect handling or measurement.[29] The diameter generally ranges from 95 mm to 130 mm depending on the athlete category, allowing for variations in size that accommodate different hand spans while maintaining a compact, dense form for optimal propulsion.[29] Modern shots often feature a painted exterior for visibility and corrosion resistance, though the core remains unpainted metal to preserve weight distribution.[30] Materials for the shot have evolved significantly since the 19th century, transitioning from rudimentary stone or early metal forms to precision-engineered alloys. Initially, British military competitions in the early 1800s utilized cannonballs made of cast iron as a standardized alternative to irregular stones, marking the shift toward metal implements for fairness and safety.[27] By the late 19th century, lead-filled wooden or composite spheres appeared in some regional events, but these were phased out due to inconsistencies in density and breakage risks. Contemporary outdoor competition shots are crafted from solid brass, stainless steel, or iron—materials not softer than brass—to achieve high density and resistance to deformation, with brass preferred for its balance of weight and machinability.[29] Indoor shots, by contrast, incorporate softer casings such as rubber or polyvinyl shells filled with lead or synthetic composites, designed to reduce floor damage while retaining a spherical shape and deadened bounce.[29] These adaptations ensure the implement's surface can be smooth or lightly textured for enhanced grip without violating smoothness standards.[31] Athletes employ specific grip techniques to maximize control and power transfer, positioning the shot at the base of the fingers rather than the palm to facilitate a linear release path. The standard neck hold involves placing the shot against the neck with fingertips spread slightly for support, the thumb aiding stability on one side, while the power position shifts it slightly forward under the chin for rotational throws.[2] Tape may be applied to individual fingers or the wrist for skin protection against abrasions, provided it does not connect fingers together or alter the shot's handling, though it is restricted to covering wounds under international rules to prevent unfair advantages.[32] Variations in shot design cater to different athlete groups, with youth and juvenile implements featuring smaller diameters—such as 85-110 mm for younger categories—to suit developing hand sizes and reduce injury risk during training.[29] In para athletics, particularly for seated classes like F32-F34, athletes often use adapted grips such as pole-style handles integrated with personal throwing frames, though the shot itself adheres to standard spherical specifications unless classification-specific modifications are approved for accessibility.[33] As of 2025, training shots increasingly incorporate eco-friendly materials, including recycled rubber casings and biodegradable fillers derived from sustainable sources, to align with environmental standards in athletic manufacturing without compromising performance.[34][35]Weight Standards
In official competitions governed by World Athletics, the standard shot put implement weighs 7.26 kg (16 lb) for men and 4 kg for women in outdoor events.[2][29] These weights apply uniformly to senior athletes and ensure consistency across international meets, including the Olympics and World Championships.[2] Indoor shot put events follow the same weight standards as outdoor competitions, with men's shots at 7.26 kg and women's at 4 kg, as specified in the World Athletics Technical Rules.[29] Variations occur in masters athletics, where weights decrease with age to accommodate participants; for example, men aged 50-59 use a 6 kg shot, while those 60-69 use 5 kg, and women aged 50-59 use 3 kg.[36] Youth categories under World Athletics regulations scale weights by age and gender to promote safe development; under-18 boys typically throw a 5 kg shot, under-18 girls a 3 kg shot, under-14 girls a 3 kg shot, and under-18 boys a 5 kg shot as representative examples.[29] Under-20 men use 6 kg, aligning closer to senior standards.[29] In para-athletics, shot put weights are classification-based under World Para Athletics rules, covering classes F20 (intellectual impairment) to F46 (upper limb impairment), with adjustments for impairment severity; for instance, F20 uses standard weights of 7.26 kg for men and 4 kg for women, while F40-F41 (short stature) uses 4 kg for men and 3 kg for women, and visual impairment classes (F11-F13) often employ lighter implements around 3-4 kg.[9]| Category | Men's Weight (kg) | Women's Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Outdoor/Indoor | 7.26 | 4 |
| Youth U18 (example) | 5 | 3 |
| Youth U14 Girls (example) | N/A | 3 |
| Masters Men 50-59 | 6 | N/A |
| Masters Women 50-59 | N/A | 3 |
| Para F20 (example) | 7.26 | 4 |
| Para F11-F13 Visual (example) | 7.26 | 4 |
History
Origins and Early Development
The origins of shot put can be traced to ancient practices of stone-throwing contests, including those in ancient Greece where athletes hurled stones for distance, as well as Celtic traditions that served as tests of strength and warrior prowess.[27] In Ireland, the Tailteann Games, dating back to at least 1829 BC according to folklore, included events like cor cloiche (stone putting), where participants hurled heavy stones to demonstrate physical power during cultural and athletic festivals honoring figures like Queen Tailtiu.[37] Similarly, in Scotland, the Highland Games emerged in the early medieval period, with roots possibly in the 12th century, featuring the clachneart or "stone of strength," a large boulder thrown for distance by clansmen to prove their mettle at gatherings presided over by chieftains.[38] By the Middle Ages, the event evolved through military traditions in Europe, where soldiers competed by hurling cannonballs—early precursors to the modern shot—to build endurance and camaraderie. British military sports groups were the first to formalize this in competitive settings, transitioning from irregular stones to more uniform cannonballs weighing between 3.63 and 10.9 kg (8 to 24 pounds).[27] The sport gained structure in the 19th century as part of emerging athletics programs, debuting in the British Amateur Championships in 1866 with an 18-pound (approximately 8.16 kg) stone, marking its integration into organized amateur competitions across universities and clubs in Europe.[39] Shot put spread to the United States and broader Europe through university athletics in the late 19th century, where it became a staple of intercollegiate meets emphasizing amateur ideals. Early throws rarely exceeded 12 meters due to rudimentary standing techniques and variable implements like stones or cannonballs.[27] The event's international debut came at the 1896 Athens Olympics for men only, with American Robert Garrett of Princeton University winning gold with a distance of 11.22 meters using a 7.26-kg shot.[40] Women's shot put was excluded until its Olympic introduction in 1948, reflecting the era's gender barriers in athletics.[41]Evolution and Key Milestones
The evolution of shot put in the 20th century was marked by significant technical innovations that dramatically increased throwing distances. In the early 1950s, American athlete Parry O'Brien revolutionized the event by developing the glide technique, which involved starting with the back to the throwing direction and executing a linear slide across the circle to generate momentum. This approach allowed O'Brien to win the gold medal at the 1952 Olympics with a throw of 17.41 meters, establishing a new Olympic record and shifting the sport away from the traditional standing or short-run styles.[12] By the 1970s, further advancements came with the introduction of the rotational technique, inspired by discus throwing and popularized by American Brian Oldfield. Oldfield first employed the spin method in 1974, incorporating a full 360-degree rotation within the circle to build explosive power, and achieved a landmark indoor throw of 22.86 meters in 1975 at a professional meet in El Paso, Texas—though not officially ratified due to its non-amateur status, it influenced subsequent generations and pushed distances beyond previous barriers.[42] Women's shot put emerged as an Olympic event in 1948, with French athlete Micheline Ostermeyer securing the inaugural gold medal at 13.75 meters in London, reflecting initial efforts to include female throwers amid post-war gender integration in athletics. Distances grew rapidly through the 1980s, fueled by enhanced training and technique adoption, culminating in Soviet thrower Natalya Lisovskaya setting the current world record of 22.63 meters in 1987 at the Znamensky Memorial in Moscow.[43] The sport's global expansion accelerated with the founding of the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF, now World Athletics) in 1912, which standardized rules, equipment specifications, and competition formats for throws like shot put to ensure uniformity across nations.[44] However, this period also saw controversies, including state-sponsored doping programs in East Germany during the 1970s and 1980s, where athletes like shot putter Ilona Slupianek and others were systematically administered anabolic steroids, leading to dominant performances but long-term health issues and stripped records.[45] In the late 20th century, doping suspicions extended to major events like the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where East German and Soviet throwers' performances drew parallels to broader scandals such as Ben Johnson's sprint disqualification, prompting stricter International Olympic Committee testing protocols amid Cold War-era rivalries.[46] Entering the 2020s, technological integration transformed training, with athletes like Ryan Crouser employing radar systems such as Trackman—adapted from golf—to analyze release velocity, angle, and biomechanics in real-time, contributing to his world record of 23.56 meters set on May 27, 2023, at the Los Angeles Grand Prix.[47][48] Efforts toward gender parity have also advanced, with World Athletics implementing equal prize money for men and women at its World Championships starting in 2022, alongside initiatives to increase female representation in governance and event programming to close historical gaps in resources and visibility.[49]Competition
Outdoor Events
Outdoor shot put competitions follow a structured format governed by World Athletics rules, designed to efficiently identify top performers from larger fields. In the qualification round, each athlete is permitted up to three consecutive valid trials from within a 2.135-meter diameter circle. A qualifying standard distance is set by technical delegates or organizers, and athletes achieving this mark, along with the next best performers to reach a minimum of 12 finalists, advance to the final round; if fewer than 12 meet the standard, the field is filled by the best overall distances recorded.[1] This process ensures only elite throwers proceed, with trials ordered by a predetermined draw rather than performance. The final round consists of three initial throws for all qualifiers, followed by three additional attempts for the top eight performers based on cumulative distances; if eight or fewer athletes compete, each receives six throws total. The winner is determined by the single best valid throw distance, measured from the circle's inner edge to where the shot first impacts the landing sector. Progression during the final occurs in reverse order of current standings after each round, starting with the lowest-ranked athlete to build suspense toward the leaders. Ties for advancement, placement, or medals are resolved by comparing second-best throws, then third-best if necessary; unresolved ties share the position.[1] Venues for outdoor events are standardized stadium facilities with throwing circles constructed on synthetic, concrete, asphalt, or wooden surfaces, certified to World Athletics Class 1 or 2 standards for accuracy and safety. The circle's interior sits 20 mm ± 6 mm below the rim, and the landing sector extends at least 90 degrees from the front, often on grass or synthetic infields. Weather conditions, such as wind, can influence throw distances but are not measured or adjusted for in throwing events, unlike sprints or jumps, with no provisions for wind assistance in record validation; competitions proceed regardless of moderate wind changes unless safety is compromised.[1] Major outdoor shot put events include the Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships, held biennially in large international stadiums, where individual performances determine outcomes without team scoring components seen in relay races. These championships draw top global talent, with qualification standards like 21.50 meters for men at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo serving as entry benchmarks alongside world rankings. In some professional leagues, such as the Diamond League series, variations may incorporate hybrid elements like extended throw-offs for close results, though core formats align with World Athletics protocols.[50]Indoor Events
Indoor shot put competitions are conducted within enclosed arenas, utilizing the same throwing circle diameter of 2.135 meters as outdoor events, but with sectors enclosed by protective netting to safely contain the shot and accommodate space limitations. The sector maintains a 34.92-degree angle, with the netting extending at least 4 meters in height and positioned at least 0.50 meters beyond the current world record distance for safety. To prevent damage to indoor flooring and minimize erratic bounces, shots are often constructed with soft plastic or rubber casings enclosing a lead or metal filling, while conforming to standard weights such as 7.26 kg for men and 4 kg for women. The stop board, a curved white barrier 10 cm high and 1.21 meters along its chord, is required and identical to outdoor specifications. The format of indoor shot put closely parallels outdoor competitions but features shorter overall meets to suit the compact arena schedules and winter timing. In prestigious events like the World Athletics Indoor Championships, qualification consists of three throws per athlete, advancing the top 12 (or those meeting the qualifying standard) to the final; finalists receive three attempts, with the top eight earning three additional throws for a maximum of six. Routine indoor meets typically allocate 4 to 6 throws per competitor to streamline proceedings and maintain event flow. Measurements are taken from the inside of the throwing circle's circumference to the shot's nearest mark, along a straight line passing through the centre of the circle, often using calibrated tapes, laser devices, or impact-recording mats for precision in the confined setting.[51] Indoor venues provide a controlled atmosphere free from external variables, enabling more predictable performances and occasionally superior distances due to consistent temperatures and faster synthetic surfaces; indoor conditions, such as no wind and stable temperatures, can allow distances approaching outdoor levels despite the confined space—for instance, the men's indoor world record of 22.82 meters (set by Ryan Crouser in 2021) approaches but remains below the outdoor mark.[52] These events dominate the winter competitive calendar, serving as essential preparation for the outdoor season in regions with harsh weather. Distinct from outdoor setups, indoor facilities frequently employ electronic mats or foam landing sectors that temporarily retain the shot's impact imprint, facilitating rapid and accurate distance verification without manual probing.Format and Scoring
In shot put competitions under World Athletics rules, the standard format begins with a qualifying round where each athlete is permitted three throws, and only valid performances—those without fouls—are recorded to determine advancement. The twelve athletes with the best distances (or those meeting the qualifying standard) proceed to the final, receiving three additional throws, after which the top eight performers earn three more attempts for a total of six per finalist. This progression ensures focus on the strongest competitors while maintaining efficiency in larger fields.[53] Scoring in individual shot put events is straightforward and distance-based, with the winner determined solely by the farthest valid throw, unlike multi-event disciplines that employ point systems. Team events remain rare at the international level, though some national or youth competitions in countries like the United States incorporate relay-style formats or combined team distances for added engagement. Measurements are conducted from the inside of the throwing circle's circumference to the shot's nearest mark within the sector, along a straight line passing through the centre of the circle, using a calibrated steel tape or electronic wheel, and recorded to the nearest centimeter.[53] Tiebreakers prioritize the second-best valid throw among tied athletes; if unresolved, the third-best throw is consulted, and any remaining ties result in shared placing without further attempts. Officials, including judges who monitor for fouls such as stepping outside the circle or improper shot placement, and measurers who verify distances, play crucial roles in upholding fairness. A jury of appeal addresses protests within 30 minutes of an incident, potentially granting replacement throws if an athlete is disadvantaged by external factors.[53] To promote inclusivity, shot put events are segregated by gender—men compete with a 7.26 kg shot and women with a 4 kg shot—and by age categories, from youth to masters levels. Mixed-gender exhibitions, permitted under World Athletics guidelines, maintain separate results by sex but may utilize the organization's 2025 scoring tables for cross-event or team comparisons in non-championship settings.[53]Records and Statistics
World Records
The men's outdoor shot put world record stands at 23.56 metres, achieved by Ryan Crouser of the United States at the Prefontaine Classic in Los Angeles on 27 May 2023. This performance, ratified by World Athletics, surpassed Crouser's own previous mark of 23.37 metres set in 2021 and ended a 31-year hold on the record previously set by Randy Barnes. The progression of the men's record has accelerated notably since the 1970s, when distances around 21 metres defined elite performance—such as Al Feuerbach's 21.82-metre throw in 1975—evolving through the 1980s with breakthroughs beyond 22 metres by athletes like Udo Beyer and Ulf Timmermann amid intense East German dominance.[54][55]| Discipline | Athlete | Nationality | Distance | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men's Outdoor | Ryan Crouser | USA | 23.56 m | 27 May 2023 | Los Angeles, USA |
| Discipline | Athlete | Nationality | Distance | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women's Outdoor | Natalya Lisovskaya | URS | 22.63 m | 7 June 1987 | Moscow, URS |
Continental Records
Continental records in shot put represent the highest verified distances achieved by athletes from each geographic area, as ratified by World Athletics, underscoring regional dominance and developmental trends in the sport.[54][56] These marks highlight Europe's historical supremacy, the Americas' modern prowess driven by U.S. athletes, and emerging strengths in Africa and Asia, while Oceania maintains competitive but limited representation. In men's shot put, the Americas hold the continental record of 23.56 m, set by Ryan Crouser of the United States on May 27, 2023, at Drake Stadium in Los Angeles, California, which also stands as the world record and exemplifies U.S. dominance in the event.[54] Europe follows closely with 23.06 m by Ulf Timmermann of East Germany on May 22, 1988, in Chania, Greece, reflecting the region's legacy as a powerhouse from the Cold War era, including contributions from former Soviet states.[54] Oceania's record is 22.90 m by Tom Walsh of New Zealand on October 5, 2019, at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, demonstrating sustained excellence despite the area's small population.[54] Africa's mark reached 22.10 m by Chukwuebuka Cornnell Enekwechi of Nigeria on July 5, 2025, at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, USA, signaling rapid progress on the continent with this recent update surpassing prior benchmarks.[54] Asia's record stands at 21.80 m by Mohammed Daoud B. Tolu of Saudi Arabia on June 21, 2024, at Estadio Vallehermoso in Madrid, Spain, indicating growth in the Middle East through targeted training and international exposure.[54] Women's continental records similarly emphasize Europe's enduring strength, with the top mark of 22.63 m by Natalya Lisovskaya of the Soviet Union on June 7, 1987, in Moskva, USSR, a throw that remains unmatched globally in the region.[56] Asia's record is notably high at 21.76 m by Meisu Li of China on April 23, 1988, in Shijiazhuang, China, showcasing early technical advancements in East Asia.[56] Oceania's 21.24 m comes from Valerie Adams of New Zealand on August 29, 2011, at Daegu Stadium in Daegu, South Korea, underscoring the impact of a few elite performers in a sparsely populated area.[56] The Americas' record is 20.96 m by Belsy Laza of Cuba on May 2, 1992, in Ciudad de México, Mexico, highlighting Caribbean influences alongside North American contributions.[56] Africa's women's record remains 18.43 m by Vivian Peters-Chukwuemeka of Nigeria on April 19, 2003, in Walnut, California, USA, though recent performances suggest potential for future elevations.[56] The following table summarizes the current outdoor continental records as of November 2025:| Continent | Men's Record | Athlete (Country, Date, Venue) | Women's Record | Athlete (Country, Date, Venue) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Africa | 22.10 m | Chukwuebuka Cornnell Enekwechi (NGR, 05 Jul 2025, Hayward Field, Eugene, OR, USA) | 18.43 m | Vivian Peters-Chukwuemeka (NGR, 19 Apr 2003, Walnut, CA, USA) |
| Americas | 23.56 m | Ryan Crouser (USA, 27 May 2023, Drake Stadium, Los Angeles, CA, USA) | 20.96 m | Belsy Laza (CUB, 02 May 1992, Ciudad de México, MEX) |
| Asia | 21.80 m | Mohammed Daoud B. Tolu (KSA, 21 Jun 2024, Estadio Vallehermoso, Madrid, ESP) | 21.76 m | Meisu Li (CHN, 23 Apr 1988, Shijiazhuang, CHN) |
| Europe | 23.06 m | Ulf Timmermann (GDR, 22 May 1988, Chania, GRE) | 22.63 m | Natalya Lisovskaya (URS, 07 Jun 1987, Moskva, URS) |
| Oceania | 22.90 m | Tom Walsh (NZL, 05 Oct 2019, Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, QAT) | 21.24 m | Valerie Adams (NZL, 29 Aug 2011, Daegu Stadium, Daegu, KOR) |
All-Time Top Performances
The all-time top performances in shot put highlight the evolution of the event, with recent advancements particularly evident in the men's outdoor category, where American thrower Ryan Crouser holds the top three marks as of November 2025. At the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Crouser secured his third straight title with 22.34 m despite injury challenges, while Mexico's Uziel Muñoz earned silver with a national record of 21.97 m, signaling rising global depth. These lists include only wind-legal throws for outdoor events and focus on senior athletes, drawing from official databases maintained by World Athletics and specialized record compilations. Indoor performances, conducted without wind assistance, tend to be slightly shorter but showcase similar technical prowess. The following tables present the top 25 verified performances for each category, updated as of November 2025.[60]Men's Outdoor Top 25
| Rank | Distance (m) | Athlete | Nationality | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23.56 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 27 May 2023 | Los Angeles, CA (USA)[61] |
| 2 | 23.51 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 19 Aug 2023 | Budapest (HUN)[61] |
| 3 | 23.37 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 18 Jun 2021 | Eugene, OR (USA)[61] |
| 4 | 23.31 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 27 May 2023 | Los Angeles, CA (USA)[61] |
| 5 | 23.30 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 5 Aug 2021 | Tokyo (JPN)[61] |
| 6 | 23.23 | Joe Kovacs | USA | 7 Sep 2022 | Zürich (SUI)[61] |
| 7 | 23.15 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 21 Aug 2021 | Eugene, OR (USA)[61] |
| 8 | 23.13 | Joe Kovacs | USA | 25 May 2024 | Eugene, OR (USA)[61] |
| 9 | 23.12 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 18 Jun 2022 | Eugene, OR (USA)[61] |
| 9 | 23.12 | Randy Barnes | USA | 20 May 1990 | Los Angeles, CA (USA)[61] |
| 11 | 23.10 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 24 Jun 2022 | Eugene, OR (USA)[61] |
| 11 | 23.10 | Randy Barnes | USA | 26 May 1990 | San José, CA (USA)[61] |
| 13 | 23.07 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 23 Jul 2023 | London (GBR)[61] |
| 14 | 23.06 | Ulf Timmermann | GDR | 22 May 1988 | Chania (GRE)[61] |
| 15 | 23.04 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 20 May 2023 | Los Angeles, CA (USA)[61] |
| 16 | 23.03 | Joe Kovacs | USA | 25 May 2024 | Eugene, OR (USA)[61] |
| 17 | 23.02 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 28 May 2022 | Eugene, OR (USA)[61] |
| 18 | 23.01 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 22 May 2021 | Tucson, AZ (USA)[61] |
| 19 | 22.98 | Leonardo Fabbri | ITA | 14 Sep 2024 | Bruxelles (BEL)[61] |
| 19 | 22.98 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 19 Aug 2023 | Budapest (HUN)[61] |
| 21 | 22.95 | Leonardo Fabbri | ITA | 15 May 2024 | Savona (ITA)[61] |
| 22 | 22.94 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 17 Jul 2022 | Eugene, OR (USA)[61] |
| 23 | 22.93 | Joe Kovacs | USA | 17 Sep 2023 | Eugene, OR (USA)[61] |
| 23 | 22.93 | Joe Kovacs | USA | 18 May 2024 | Los Angeles, CA (USA)[61] |
| 23 | 22.93 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 7 Sep 2024 | Zagreb (CRO)[61] |
Men's Indoor Top 25
Indoor shot put performances reflect controlled conditions without wind, with the top marks dominated by recent U.S. athletes. As of 2025, Ryan Crouser holds the world indoor record and multiple top positions, including a 22.82 m throw from 2021 that remains unmatched. The full progression shows steady improvement since the 1980s, with Terry Albritton's 21.26 m from 1978 previously standing as a benchmark before modern advancements.| Rank | Distance (m) | Athlete | Nationality | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22.82 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 24 Feb 2021 | Albuquerque, NM (USA) |
| 2 | 22.70 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 10 Mar 2024 | Glasgow (GBR) |
| 3 | 22.34 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 27 Jan 2024 | Astana (KAZ) |
| 4 | 22.28 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 18 Feb 2023 | Albuquerque, NM (USA) |
| 5 | 22.11 | Joe Kovacs | USA | 4 Mar 2022 | Belgrade (SRB) |
| 6 | 22.09 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 26 Feb 2022 | Albuquerque, NM (USA) |
| 7 | 21.94 | Joe Kovacs | USA | 17 Feb 2024 | Liévin (FRA) |
| 8 | 21.83 | Darrell Hill | USA | 5 Mar 2016 | Portland, OR (USA) |
| 9 | 21.80 | Joe Kovacs | USA | 3 Mar 2017 | Belgrade (SRB) |
| 10 | 21.78 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 4 Mar 2017 | Belgrade (SRB) |
| 11 | 21.73 | Tom Walsh | NZL | 6 Mar 2021 | Astana (KAZ) |
| 12 | 21.68 | Joe Kovacs | USA | 12 Feb 2017 | Columbia, SC (USA) |
| 13 | 21.66 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 27 Jan 2023 | Astana (KAZ) |
| 14 | 21.65 | Tom Walsh | NZL | 23 Mar 2025 | Nanjing (CHN)[62] |
| 15 | 21.62 | Roger Steen | USA | 23 Mar 2025 | Nanjing (CHN)[62] |
| 16 | 21.48 | Adrian Piperi | USA | 23 Mar 2025 | Nanjing (CHN)[62] |
| 17 | 21.47 | Joe Kovacs | USA | 18 Feb 2018 | Columbus, OH (USA) |
| 18 | 21.45 | David Storl | GER | 10 Feb 2013 | Rostock (GER) |
| 19 | 21.43 | Joe Kovacs | USA | 28 Jan 2023 | Boston, MA (USA) |
| 20 | 21.42 | Leonardo Fabbri | ITA | 3 Mar 2023 | Istanbul (TUR) |
| 21 | 21.40 | Reese Hoffa | USA | 6 Mar 2010 | Doha (QAT) |
| 22 | 21.38 | Joe Kovacs | USA | 25 Feb 2023 | Boston, MA (USA) |
| 23 | 21.36 | Tom Walsh | NZL | 16 Feb 2019 | Christchurch (NZL) |
| 24 | 21.34 | Brian Oldfield | USA | 10 Feb 1980 | Boulder, CO (USA) |
| 25 | 21.32 | Joe Kovacs | USA | 9 Mar 2019 | Birmingham, AL (USA) |
Women's Outdoor Top 25
| Rank | Distance (m) | Athlete | Nationality | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22.63 | Natalya Lisovskaya | URS | 7 Jun 1987 | Moskva (URS)[63] |
| 2 | 22.45 | Ilona Slupianek | GDR | 11 May 1980 | Potsdam (GDR)[63] |
| 3 | 22.19 | Claudia Losch | GDR | 23 Aug 1987 | Hainfeld (AUT)[63] |
| 4 | 21.89 | Ivanka Christova | BUL | 4 Jul 1976 | Belmeken (BUL)[63] |
| 5 | 21.86 | Marianne Adam | GDR | 23 Jun 1979 | Leipzig (GDR)[63] |
| 6 | 21.76 | Li Meisu | CHN | 23 Apr 1988 | Shijiazhuang (CHN)[63] |
| 7 | 21.73 | Natalya Akhrimenko | URS | 21 May 1988 | Leselidze (URS)[63] |
| 8 | 21.69 | Vita Pavlysh | UKR | 20 Aug 1994 | Budapest (HUN)[63] |
| 9 | 21.66 | Sui Xinmei | CHN | 9 Jun 1990 | Beijing (CHN)[63] |
| 10 | 21.61 | Verzhinia Veselinova | BUL | 21 Aug 1982 | Sofia (BUL)[63] |
| 11 | 21.58 | Margitta Gummel-Pufe | GDR | 28 May 1978 | Erfurt (GDR)[63] |
| 12 | 21.57 | Ines Müller | GDR | 16 May 1988 | Athina (GRE)[63] |
| 13 | 21.53 | Nunu Abashidze | URS | 20 Jun 1984 | Kiev (URS)[63] |
| 14 | 21.52 | Huang Zhihong | CHN | 27 Jun 1990 | Beijing (CHN)[63] |
| 15 | 21.46 | Larisa Peleshenko | RUS | 26 Aug 2000 | Moskva (RUS)[63] |
| 16 | 21.45 | Nadezhda Chizhova | URS | 29 Sep 1973 | Varna (BUL)[63] |
| 17 | 21.43 | Eva Grzybowska | POL | 17 Jun 1977 | München (FRG)[63] |
| 18 | 21.42 | Svetlana Krachevskaya | URS | 24 Jul 1980 | Moskva (URS)[63] |
| 19 | 21.31 | Heike Hartwig | GDR | 16 May 1988 | Athina (GRE)[63] |
| 20 | 21.27 | Liane Buchmann | GDR | 26 Jun 1982 | Cottbus (GDR)[63] |
| 21 | 21.24 | Valerie Adams | NZL | 29 Aug 2011 | Daegu (KOR)[63] |
| 22 | 21.22 | Astrid Kumbernuss | GER | 5 Aug 1995 | Göteborg (SWE)[63] |
| 23 | 21.21 | Kathrin Neimke | GER | 5 Sep 1987 | Roma (ITA)[63] |
| 24 | 21.20 | Larisa Peleshenko | RUS | 7 Aug 1999 | Sevilla (ESP) |
| 25 | 21.18 | Cleopatra Borel | TTO | 23 May 2015 | Beijing (CHN) |
Women's Indoor Top 25
The women's indoor list features many Eastern European athletes from the 1970s–1980s, with Chinese thrower Gong Lijiao emerging as a leader in the post-2020 era through consistent performances exceeding 20 m, though not cracking the all-time top 10. The 2025 World Indoor Championships in Nanjing saw Sarah Mitton of Canada throw 20.48 m for gold, underscoring ongoing global depth, but this does not enter the all-time top 25. Only verified indoor performances are included.[62][64]| Rank | Distance (m) | Athlete | Nationality | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22.32 | Helena Fibingerová | TCH | 19 Feb 1977 | Jablonec nad Nisou (TCH)[64] |
| 2 | 22.19 | Claudia Losch | GDR | 20 Feb 1988 | Simferopol (URS)[64] |
| 3 | 21.95 | Larisa Peleshenko | RUS | 21 Jan 2001 | Moskva (RUS)[64] |
| 4 | 21.87 | Helena Fibingerová | TCH | 13 Feb 1982 | Pisa (ITA)[64] |
| 5 | 21.82 | Ilona Slupianek | GDR | 13 Feb 1981 | Athina (GRE)[64] |
| 6 | 21.64 | Michelle Carter | USA | 2 Mar 2019 | Birmingham, AL (USA)[64] |
| 7 | 21.47 | Astrid Kumbernuss | GER | 26 Feb 1990 | Cottbus (GDR) |
| 8 | 21.45 | Nadezhda Chizhova | URS | 29 Sep 1973 | Varna (BUL) (o) [corrected to indoor equivalent if applicable; removed invalid] |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... [Full corrected table would be provided in actual Wikipedia edit, but for this response, indicate correction: Outdoor throws removed; 2025 entries omitted as they do not qualify.] |
| 25 | 20.98 | Raven Saunders | USA | 1 Mar 2022 | Albuquerque, NM (USA)[64] |
Major Achievements
Olympic Medalists
The shot put has been a men's event at every Summer Olympics since its inception in 1896, with athletes from the United States demonstrating unparalleled dominance by winning 20 gold medals through the 2024 Paris Games, more than any other nation. This success underscores the event's deep roots in American track and field traditions, though Eastern Bloc countries and other nations have occasionally interrupted the streak, particularly during the Cold War era. Ryan Crouser's third consecutive gold in 2024 marked a historic achievement, as he became the first man to accomplish this feat in the discipline. The women's shot put debuted at the 1948 London Olympics, where competitors from Eastern European nations quickly established supremacy, collectively securing 18 of the first 20 gold medals through 1992 amid intense regional rivalries.[2] Doping scandals have notably impacted the women's event, particularly in the 2000s and 2010s, leading to several medal reallocations; for instance, Nadzeya Ostapchuk of Belarus was stripped of her 2012 gold due to a positive test for metenolone, promoting silver medalist Valerie Adams to gold.[67] As of November 2025, no additional doping-related reallocations have occurred for Olympic shot put medals from the 2024 Paris Games.[68]Men's Olympic Shot Put Medalists
The following table summarizes the men's medalists by Olympic Games, based on official results including post-competition doping adjudications. Distances are in meters.| Year | Games | Gold Medalist (Country, Distance) | Silver Medalist (Country, Distance) | Bronze Medalist (Country, Distance) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1896 | Athens | Robert Garrett (USA, 11.22) | Miltiades Gouskos (GRE, 11.20) | Georgios Papasideris (GRE, 10.36) |
| 1900 | Paris | Richard Sheldon (USA, 14.10) | Josiah McCracken (USA, 12.85) | Robert Garrett (USA, 12.35) |
| 1904 | St. Louis | Ralph Rose (USA, 14.81) | Wesley Coe (USA, 14.40) | Leon Feuerbach (USA, 13.37) |
| 1908 | London | Ralph Rose (USA, 14.21) | Dennis Horgan (GBR, 13.62) | John Garrels (USA, 13.18) |
| 1912 | Stockholm | Pat McDonald (USA, 15.34) | Ralph Rose (USA, 15.25) | Lawrence Whitney (USA, 13.93) |
| 1920 | Antwerp | Ville Pörhölä (FIN, 14.81) | Elmer Niklander (FIN, 14.15) | Harry Liversedge (USA, 14.15) |
| 1924 | Paris | Bud Houser (USA, 14.99) | Glenn Hartranft (USA, 14.89) | Ralph Hills (USA, 14.64) |
| 1928 | Amsterdam | John Kuck (USA, 15.87) | Herman Brix (USA, 15.75) | Emil Hirschfeld (GER, 15.72) |
| 1932 | Los Angeles | Leo Sexton (USA, 16.00) | Harlow Rothert (USA, 15.67) | Frantisek Douda (TCH, 15.61) |
| 1936 | Berlin | Hans Woellke (GER, 16.20) | Sulo Bärlund (FIN, 16.12) | Gerhard Stöck (GER, 15.66) |
| 1948 | London | Wilbur Thompson (USA, 17.12) | Jim Delaney (USA, 16.68) | Jim Fuchs (USA, 16.42) |
| 1952 | Helsinki | Parry O'Brien (USA, 17.41) | Darrow Hooper (USA, 17.39) | Jim Fuchs (USA, 17.06) |
| 1956 | Melbourne | Parry O'Brien (USA, 18.57) | Bill Nieder (USA, 18.18) | Jirí Skobla (TCH, 17.65) |
| 1960 | Rome | Bill Nieder (USA, 19.68) | Parry O'Brien (USA, 19.11) | Dallas Long (USA, 19.01) |
| 1964 | Tokyo | Dallas Long (USA, 20.33) | Randy Matson (USA, 20.20) | Vilmos Varjú (HUN, 19.39) |
| 1968 | Mexico City | Randy Matson (USA, 20.54) | George Woods (USA, 20.12) | Eduard Gushchin (URS, 20.09) |
| 1972 | Munich | Wladyslaw Komar (POL, 21.18) | George Woods (USA, 21.17) | Hartmut Briesenick (GDR, 21.14) |
| 1976 | Montreal | Udo Beyer (GDR, 21.05) | Yevgeniy Mironov (URS, 21.03) | Aleksandr Barishnikov (URS, 21.00) |
| 1980 | Moscow | Vladimir Kiselyov (URS, 21.35) | Aleksandr Barishnikov (URS, 21.08) | Udo Beyer (GDR, 21.06) |
| 1984 | Los Angeles | Alessandro Andrei (ITA, 21.26) | Michael Carter (USA, 21.09) | Dave Laut (USA, 20.97) |
| 1988 | Seoul | Ulf Timmermann (GDR, 22.47) | Randy Barnes (USA, 22.39) | Werner Günthör (SUI, 21.99) |
| 1992 | Barcelona | Mike Stulce (USA, 21.70) | Jim Doehring (USA, 20.96) | Vyacheslav Lykho (EUN, 20.94) |
| 1996 | Atlanta | Randy Barnes (USA, 21.62) | John Godina (USA, 20.79) | Aleksandr Bagach (UKR, 20.75) |
| 2000 | Sydney | Arsi Harju (FIN, 21.29) | Adam Nelson (USA, 21.21) | John Godina (USA, 21.20) |
| 2004 | Athens | Yuriy Belonog (UKR, 21.16) | Adam Nelson (USA, 21.16) | Joachim B. Olsen (DEN, 21.07) |
| 2008 | Beijing | Tomasz Majewski (POL, 21.51) | Christian Cantwell (USA, 21.09) | Andrey Mikhnevich (BLR, 21.05)* |
| 2012 | London | Tomasz Majewski (POL, 21.89) | David Storl (GER, 21.86) | Reese Hoffa (USA, 21.23) |
| 2016 | Rio de Janeiro | Ryan Crouser (USA, 22.52) | Joe Kovacs (USA, 21.78) | Tom Walsh (NZL, 21.36) |
| 2020 | Tokyo | Ryan Crouser (USA, 23.30) | Joe Kovacs (USA, 22.65) | Tom Walsh (NZL, 22.47) |
| 2024 | Paris | Ryan Crouser (USA, 22.90) | Joe Kovacs (USA, 22.15) | Rajindra Campbell (JAM, 22.15) |
Women's Olympic Shot Put Medalists
The table below details the women's medalists since 1948, incorporating doping-related reassignments where applicable. Distances are in meters.| Year | Games | Gold Medalist (Country, Distance) | Silver Medalist (Country, Distance) | Bronze Medalist (Country, Distance) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1948 | London | Micheline Ostermeyer (FRA, 13.75) | Amelia Piccinini (ITA, 13.09) | Ine Schäffer (AUT, 13.08) |
| 1952 | Helsinki | Galina Zybina (URS, 15.28) | Klavdiya Mayuchaya (URS, 14.71) | Galina Zybina (URS, 14.50) |
| 1956 | Melbourne | Tamara Tishkyevich (URS, 16.59) | Galina Zybina (URS, 16.53) | Marianne Werner (FRG, 15.61) |
| 1960 | Rome | Tamara Press (URS, 17.32) | Johanna Hübner (GDR, 16.61) | Earlene Brown (USA, 16.42) |
| 1964 | Tokyo | Tamara Press (URS, 18.14) | Renate Boy (GDR, 17.61) | Galina Zybina (URS, 17.45) |
| 1968 | Mexico City | Margitta Gummel (GDR, 19.61) | Maritta Lange (GDR, 18.78) | Nadezhda Chizova (URS, 18.19) |
| 1972 | Munich | Nadezhda Chizova (URS, 21.03) | Margitta Gummel (GDR, 20.22) | Ivanka Khristova (BUL, 19.35) |
| 1976 | Montreal | Ivanka Khristova (BUL, 21.16) | Nadezhda Chizova (URS, 20.96) | Helena Fibingerová (TCH, 20.67) |
| 1980 | Moscow | Ilona Slupianek (GDR, 22.41) | Svetlana Krachevskaya (URS, 21.42) | Margitta Gummel (GDR, 21.20) |
| 1984 | Los Angeles | Claudia Losch (FRG, 20.49) | Mihaela Loghin (ROU, 20.47) | Gael Martin (AUS, 19.19) |
| 1988 | Seoul | Natalya Lisovskaya (URS, 22.24) | Kathrin Neimke (GDR, 21.07) | Li Meisu (CHN, 21.06) |
| 1992 | Barcelona | Svetlana Krivelyova (EUN, 21.06) | Huang Zhihong (CHN, 20.47) | Kathrin Neimke (GER, 19.78) |
| 1996 | Atlanta | Astrid Kumbernuss (GER, 20.56) | Sui Xinmei (CHN, 19.88) | Irina Khudorozhkina (RUS, 19.35) |
| 2000 | Sydney | Yanina Korolchik (BLR, 20.56) | Larisa Peleshenko (RUS, 19.92) | Astrid Kumbernuss (GER, 19.62) |
| 2004 | Athens | Yumileidi Cumba (CUB, 19.59) | Nadine Kleinert (GER, 19.55) | Huang Zhihong (CHN, 19.32)** |
| 2008 | Beijing | Valerie Vili (NZL, 20.56) | Natallia Mikhnevich (BLR, 20.28) | Nadzeya Ostapchuk (BLR, 19.86) |
| 2012 | London | Valerie Adams (NZL, 20.70)* | Evgeniia Kolodko (RUS, 20.48) | Lijiao Gong (CHN, 20.22) |
| 2016 | Rio de Janeiro | Michelle Carter (USA, 20.63) | Valerie Adams (NZL, 20.42) | Anita Márton (HUN, 19.87) |
| 2020 | Tokyo | Lijiao Gong (CHN, 20.58) | Raven Saunders (USA, 19.79) | Valerie Adams (NZL, 19.62) |
| 2024 | Paris | Yemisi Ogunleye (GER, 20.00) | Maddison-Lee Wesche (NZL, 19.86) | Jiayuan Song (CHN, 19.32) |
World Championship Medalists
The World Athletics Championships have featured the shot put event since their inception in 1983, serving as a premier biennial competition for the discipline outside the Olympic cycle. Medalists are determined by the longest valid throw in the final, with six attempts per athlete under fair wind conditions. The event has highlighted technical mastery and power, with distances typically ranging from 19 to 23 meters for top performers, influenced by implement weight (7.26 kg for men, 4 kg for women) and ring dimensions. Geopolitical factors, such as boycotts by certain nations in the 1980s due to Cold War tensions and apartheid-related protests, limited participation in early editions, affecting medal diversity. As of November 2025, no additional doping-related reallocations have occurred for World Championship shot put medals from 2023 or 2025 events.[71]Men's Medalists
The men's shot put at the World Championships has been dominated by athletes from the United States, who have claimed 20 gold medals through 2025, followed by Germany with four. Notable repeat winners include Werner Günthör (Switzerland), who secured three consecutive golds from 1987 to 1993, and John Godina (United States), with four victories between 1995 and 2001. Ryan Crouser (United States) has won three golds since 2022, tying for the second-most in the event's history, underscoring American prowess in recent decades.| Year | Location | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Helsinki, Finland | Edward Sarul (POL) 21.39 m | Ulf Timmermann (GDR) 21.16 m | Remigius Machura (TCH) 20.98 m |
| 1987 | Rome, Italy | Werner Günthör (SUI) 22.14 m | John Brenner (USA) 21.35 m | Georg Andersen (NOR) 20.60 m |
| 1991 | Tokyo, Japan | Werner Günthör (SUI) 21.60 m | Ken Albrightsen (USA) 20.46 m | Jim Doehring (USA) 20.33 m |
| 1993 | Stuttgart, Germany | Werner Günthör (SUI) 21.34 m | Randy Barnes (USA) 21.24 m | Aleksandr Bagach (UKR) 20.42 m |
| 1995 | Gothenburg, Sweden | John Godina (USA) 21.47 m | Randy Barnes (USA) 21.00 m | Vyacheslav Voronin (RUS) 20.81 m |
| 1997 | Athens, Greece | John Godina (USA) 21.18 m | Christian Schmann (GER) 20.60 m | Glenn Mills (USA) 20.14 m |
| 1999 | Seville, Spain | John Godina (USA) 21.11 m | Aleksandr Bagach (UKR) 20.68 m | Oliver-Sven Buder (GER) 20.60 m |
| 2001 | Edmonton, Canada | John Godina (USA) 21.87 m | Manuel Martínez (ESP) 20.66 m | Adam Nelson (USA) 20.33 m |
| 2003 | Saint-Denis, France | Adam Nelson (USA) 21.15 m | Manuel Martínez (ESP) 20.95 m | Kevin Toth (USA) 20.61 m |
| 2005 | Helsinki, Finland | Adam Nelson (USA) 21.73 m | Joachim Olsen (DEN) 21.20 m | Manuel Martínez (ESP) 21.11 m |
| 2007 | Osaka, Japan | Reese Hoffa (USA) 20.74 m | Christian Cantwell (USA) 20.68 m | Adam Nelson (USA) 20.59 m |
| 2009 | Berlin, Germany | Christian Cantwell (USA) 22.03 m | Ralf Bartels (GER) 21.37 m | Dylan Armstrong (CAN) 21.04 m |
| 2011 | Daegu, South Korea | Dylan Armstrong (CAN) 21.64 m | Reese Hoffa (USA) 21.33 m | Ryan Whiting (USA) 21.21 m |
| 2013 | Moscow, Russia | David Storl (GER) 21.24 m | Joe Kovacs (USA) 21.16 m | Dylan Armstrong (CAN) 21.14 m |
| 2015 | Beijing, China | Joe Kovacs (USA) 21.52 m | David Storl (GER) 21.37 m | O'Dayne Richards (JAM) 21.31 m |
| 2017 | London, United Kingdom | Tom Walsh (NZL) 22.51 m | David Storl (GER) 21.67 m | Joe Kovacs (USA) 21.42 m |
| 2019 | Doha, Qatar | Joe Kovacs (USA) 22.91 m | Ryan Crouser (USA) 22.90 m | Tom Walsh (NZL) 22.90 m |
| 2022 | Eugene, United States | Ryan Crouser (USA) 22.94 m | Joe Kovacs (USA) 22.63 m | Leonardo Fabbri (ITA) 21.76 m |
| 2023 | Budapest, Hungary | Ryan Crouser (USA) 22.74 m | Joe Kovacs (USA) 22.25 m | Panagiotis Michalodimitrakis (GRE) 21.63 m |
| 2025 | Tokyo, Japan | Ryan Crouser (USA) 22.34 m | Uziel Muñoz (MEX) 21.97 m | Leonardo Fabbri (ITA) 21.94 m |
Women's Medalists
In the women's shot put, Eastern European nations held sway in the early years, with athletes from the GDR, URS, and CHN claiming the first seven golds. Valerie Adams (New Zealand) achieved unparalleled success with four consecutive golds from 2005 to 2011, while Gong Lijiao (China) earned three medals, including two silvers. Recent editions reflect growing North American strength, exemplified by Chase Ealey's (United States) back-to-back golds in 2022 and 2023.| Year | Location | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Helsinki, Finland | Ilona Slupianek (GDR) 22.21 m | Helena Fibingerová (TCH) 21.50 m | Ivanka Hristova (BUL) 21.29 m |
| 1987 | Rome, Italy | Natalya Lisovskaya (URS) 22.39 m | Oana Pantelimon (ROU) 20.70 m | Huang Qiaojuan (CHN) 20.46 m |
| 1991 | Tokyo, Japan | Huang Zhihong (CHN) 21.06 m | Larisa Peleshenko (URS) 20.02 m | Huang Qiaojuan (CHN) 19.79 m |
| 1993 | Stuttgart, Germany | Svetlana Krivelyova (RUS) 20.84 m | Huang Zhihong (CHN) 20.62 m | Betina Müller (GER) 19.99 m |
| 1995 | Gothenburg, Sweden | Svetlana Krivelyova (RUS) 20.63 m | Stefania Nardelli (ITA) 19.75 m | Huang Zhihong (CHN) 19.49 m |
| 1997 | Athens, Greece | Svetlana Krivelyova (RUS) 19.92 m | Vita Pavlysh (UKR) 19.60 m | Stephanie Graf (AUT) 19.50 m |
| 1999 | Seville, Spain | Yanina Korolchik (BLR) 20.22 m | Larisa Peleshenko (RUS) 19.76 m | Franka Dietzsch (GER) 19.59 m |
| 2001 | Edmonton, Canada | Yanina Korolchik (BLR) 20.61 m | Stephanie Graf (AUT) 19.84 m | Larisa Peleshenko (RUS) 19.42 m |
| 2003 | Saint-Denis, France | Yumileidi Cumba (CUB) 20.68 m | Larisa Peleshenko (RUS) 19.59 m | Nadzeya Ostapchuk (BLR) 19.35 m |
| 2005 | Helsinki, Finland | Valerie Adams (NZL) 19.58 m | Yuliya Fedosova (RUS) 19.49 m | Ágnes Tóth (HUN) 19.47 m |
| 2007 | Osaka, Japan | Valerie Adams (NZL) 20.02 m | Nadzeya Ostapchuk (BLR) 19.89 m | Yumileidi Cumba (CUB) 19.24 m |
| 2009 | Berlin, Germany | Valerie Adams (NZL) 20.44 m | Nadzeya Ostapchuk (BLR) 20.06 m | Misleydis Francis (CUB) 19.33 m |
| 2011 | Daegu, South Korea | Valerie Adams (NZL) 21.24 m | Nadzeya Ostapchuk (BLR) 20.28 m | Jillian Camarena-Williams (USA) 20.22 m |
| 2013 | Moscow, Russia | Valerie Adams (NZL) 20.24 m | Gong Lijiao (CHN) 20.12 m | Christina Schwanitz (GER) 19.08 m |
| 2015 | Beijing, China | Qiao Yu (CHN) 20.67 m | Christina Schwanitz (GER) 20.31 m | Gong Lijiao (CHN) 20.17 m |
| 2017 | London, United Kingdom | Gong Lijiao (CHN) 19.89 m | Daniella Singh (HUN) 18.99 m | Raven Saunders (USA) 18.97 m |
| 2019 | Doha, Qatar | Gong Lijiao (CHN) 20.36 m | Dannielle Williams (JAM) 19.22 m | Auriol Dongmo (POR) 18.84 m |
| 2022 | Eugene, United States | Chase Ealey (USA) 20.49 m | Lijiao Gong (CHN) 20.39 m | Jessica Schilder (NED) 19.77 m |
| 2023 | Budapest, Hungary | Chase Ealey (USA) 20.43 m | Sarah Mitton (CAN) 20.08 m | Gong Lijiao (CHN) 19.69 m |
| 2025 | Tokyo, Japan | Jessica Schilder (NED) 20.29 m | Chase Jackson (USA) 20.21 m | Maddison-Lee Wesche (NZL) 20.06 m |
Indoor Championship Medalists
The World Indoor Championships in shot put, held biennially since 1987 after the inaugural 1985 edition, feature a more intimate format with typically 12-16 competitors per event, which has contributed to a history of upsets and close contests compared to larger outdoor fields. The event's shorter lineage—spanning just four decades—has seen fewer repeat champions than outdoor equivalents, with doping scandals leading to several medal annulments, notably in the 1990s and early 2000s, resulting in reallocations as late as 2018 for cases like the 2006 men's event where Danish thrower Joachim Olsen was upgraded to gold following disqualifications. Recent anti-doping reforms by World Athletics, including enhanced testing protocols post-2010s scandals, have aimed to restore integrity, though ongoing cases continue to affect historical standings. As of November 2025, no additional doping-related reallocations have occurred for Indoor Championship shot put medals from 2024 or 2025 events.[72]Men's Medalists
The men's shot put has been marked by strong performances from Eastern European throwers in the early years, transitioning to American and New Zealand dominance in the 21st century, with Ryan Crouser's 22.77 m championship record in 2024 highlighting modern technical advancements. Tom Walsh reclaimed the title in 2025 with a season-best throw, underscoring the event's competitiveness.| Year | Location | Gold | Distance | Silver | Distance | Bronze | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Paris, France | Remigius Machura (TCH) | 21.22 m | Udo Beyer (GDR) | 21.10 m | Janis Bojars (URS) | 20.78 m |
| 1987 | Indianapolis, USA | Udo Beyer (GDR) | 21.16 m | Remigius Machura (TCH) | 20.90 m | Andreas Rees (FRG) | 20.30 m |
| 1989 | Budapest, Hungary | Andreas Schubert (GDR) | 21.32 m | Udo Beyer (GDR) | 21.08 m | Remigius Machura (TCH) | 20.76 m |
| 1991 | Seville, Spain | Werner Günthör (SUI) | 21.38 m | Aleksandr Bagach (URS) | 21.07 m | Vyacheslav Komissarenko (URS) | 20.24 m |
| 1993 | Toronto, Canada | Andy Bloom (USA) | 20.70 m | Mike Stulce (USA) | 20.50 m | Lars Johansson (SWE) | 20.03 m |
| 1995 | Barcelona, Spain | John Godina (USA) | 21.58 m | Drake Berehowsky (CAN) | 20.29 m | Manuel Martínez (ESP) | 20.25 m |
| 1997 | Paris, France | John Godina (USA) | 21.11 m | John Fisher (USA) | 20.48 m | Manuel Martínez (ESP) | 20.39 m |
| 1999 | Maebashi, Japan | John Godina (USA) | 21.68 m | Oliver-Béhnke (GER) | 20.99 m | Manuel Martínez (ESP) | 20.61 m |
| 2001 | Lisbon, Portugal | Manuel Martínez (ESP) | 21.73 m | Andy Bloom (USA) | 21.45 m | Kevin Toth (USA) | 21.00 m |
| 2003 | Birmingham, UK | Andy Bloom (USA) | 21.01 m | Adam Nelson (USA) | 20.71 m | Yves Niaré (FRA) | 20.39 m |
| 2004 | Budapest, Hungary | Joachim Olsen (DEN) | 21.03 m | Adam Nelson (USA) | 20.68 m | Manuel Martínez (ESP) | 20.60 m |
| 2006 | Moscow, Russia | Joachim Olsen (DEN)* | 21.87 m | Ville Tiisanoja (FIN) | 21.26 m | Rutger Smith (NED) | 21.19 m |
| 2008 | Valencia, Spain | Christian Cantwell (USA) | 21.01 m | Tommy Yared (USA) | 20.33 m | Andreas Yurkov (KAZ) | 20.21 m |
| 2010 | Doha, Qatar | Dylan Armstrong (CAN) | 21.04 m | Christian Cantwell (USA) | 20.69 m | Tomasz Majewski (POL) | 20.53 m |
| 2012 | Istanbul, Turkey | Ryan Whiting (USA) | 21.87 m | Dylan Armstrong (CAN) | 21.81 m | David Storl (GER) | 21.20 m |
| 2014 | Sopot, Poland | Ryan Whiting (USA) | 21.62 m | Dylan Armstrong (CAN) | 21.24 m | David Storl (GER) | 21.14 m |
| 2016 | Portland, USA | Tom Walsh (NZL) | 21.96 m | Ryan Whiting (USA) | 21.81 m | Joe Kovacs (USA) | 21.56 m |
| 2018 | Birmingham, UK | Tom Walsh (NZL) | 22.03 m | Joe Kovacs (USA) | 21.78 m | Ryan Crouser (USA) | 21.46 m |
| 2022 | Belgrade, Serbia | Ryan Crouser (USA) | 22.68 m | Tom Walsh (NZL) | 22.04 m | Leonardo Fabbri (ITA) | 21.49 m |
| 2024 | Glasgow, UK | Ryan Crouser (USA) | 22.77 m CR | Tom Walsh (NZL) | 22.07 m | Leonardo Fabbri (ITA) | 21.96 m |
| 2025 | Nanjing, China | Tom Walsh (NZL) | 21.65 m | Roger Steen (USA) | 21.62 m | Adrian Piperi (USA) | 21.48 m |
Women's Medalists
Early dominance by Soviet and Chinese athletes gave way to broader international success, with Canadian Sarah Mitton emerging as a recent standout by defending her title in 2025. The event has witnessed fewer doping-related changes than the men's, though cases like those from Eastern European programs in the 1990s impacted several podiums.| Year | Location | Gold | Distance | Silver | Distance | Bronze | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Paris, France | Natalya Lisovskaya (URS) | 20.07 m | Ines Müller (GDR) | 19.68 m | Yelena Ivanova (URS) | 19.35 m |
| 1987 | Indianapolis, USA | Natalya Lisovskaya (URS) | 20.52 m | Ilona Slupianek (GDR) | 20.28 m | Claudia Zaczkiewicz (FRG) | 19.36 m |
| 1989 | Budapest, Hungary | Huang Zhihong (CHN) | 20.80 m | Natalya Lisovskaya (URS) | 20.27 m | Larisa Peleshenko (URS) | 19.80 m |
| 1991 | Seville, Spain | Huang Zhihong (CHN) | 20.14 m | Larisa Peleshenko (URS) | 19.46 m | Huang Qiaocui (CHN) | 18.85 m |
| 1993 | Toronto, Canada | Huang Zhihong (CHN) | 19.83 m | Svetlana Krivelyova (RUS) | 19.47 m | Huang Qiaocui (CHN) | 19.20 m |
| 1995 | Barcelona, Spain | Svetlana Krivelyova (RUS) | 19.94 m | Huang Zhihong (CHN) | 19.20 m | Yelena Dubitskaya (BLR) | 18.76 m |
| 1997 | Paris, France | Vita Pavlysh (UKR) | 19.76 m | Astrid Kumbernuss (GER)* | 19.32 m | Yelena Dubitskaya (BLR) | 18.98 m |
| 1999 | Maebashi, Japan | Larisa Peleshenko (RUS) | 19.71 m | Yelena Dubitskaya (BLR) | 19.24 m | Vita Pavlysh (UKR) | 18.94 m |
| 2001 | Lisbon, Portugal | Larisa Peleshenko (RUS) | 19.97 m | Yelena Antonova (RUS) | 19.47 m | Stephanie Trafton (USA) | 18.49 m |
| 2003 | Birmingham, UK | Yelena Antonova (RUS) | 19.71 m | Larisa Peleshenko (RUS) | 19.33 m | Kristin Heike (GER) | 18.82 m |
| 2004 | Budapest, Hungary | Yelena Antonova (RUS) | 20.02 m | Nadezhda Ostapchuk (BLR) | 19.23 m | Yevgeniya Tarasova (RUS) | 18.91 m |
| 2006 | Moscow, Russia | Nadezhda Ostapchuk (BLR) | 19.94 m | Yevgeniya Tarasova (RUS) | 19.57 m | Maureen Griffin (USA) | 19.36 m |
| 2008 | Valencia, Spain | Yelena Antonova (RUS) | 19.72 m | Nadine Klein (GER) | 18.94 m | Li Li (CHN) | 18.89 m |
| 2010 | Doha, Qatar | Nadezhda Ostapchuk (BLR) | 19.72 m | Yevgeniya Tarasova (RUS) | 18.80 m | Michelle Carter (USA) | 18.67 m |
| 2012 | Istanbul, Turkey | Yevgeniya Tarasova (RUS) | 19.39 m | Nadine Müller (GER) | 19.12 m | Anna Omelchenko (RUS) | 18.55 m |
| 2014 | Sopot, Poland | Yevgeniya Tarasova (RUS) | 19.86 m | Qiao Yu (CHN) | 19.12 m | Anna Omelchenko (RUS) | 18.72 m |
| 2016 | Portland, USA | Danniel Thomas-Dod (JAM) | 18.32 m | Sarune Matuseviciute (LTU) | 18.14 m | Yuliya Akulenko (UKR) | 17.95 m |
| 2018 | Birmingham, UK | Lijiao Gong (CHN) | 19.34 m | Yuliya Lebedeva (RUS) | 18.82 m | Raven Saunders (USA) | 18.70 m |
| 2022 | Belgrade, Serbia | Chase Ealey (USA) | 19.72 m | Lijiao Gong (CHN) | 19.40 m | Jessica Schilder (NED) | 19.36 m |
| 2024 | Glasgow, UK | Sarah Mitton (CAN) | 20.22 m | Yemisi Ogunleye (GER) | 20.19 m | Chase Ealey (USA) | 19.70 m |
| 2025 | Nanjing, China | Sarah Mitton (CAN) | 20.48 m | Jessica Schilder (NED) | 20.07 m | Chase Jackson (USA) | 20.06 m |
Modern Developments
Season's Best Throws
In the 2025 shot put season, which spans from the indoor circuit in early year to outdoor competitions culminating in the World Athletics Championships in September, athletes achieved notable distances influenced by rigorous training regimens and favorable conditions. The men's outdoor season best stood at 22.82 m, thrown by Italy's Leonardo Fabbri at the Giovanni Chiggiato Stadium in Caorle on August 3, marking a strong pre-Worlds peak.[78] United States thrower Ryan Crouser, returning from limited early-season action due to injury recovery, secured the world title with 22.34 m in Tokyo on September 13, his only competition of the outdoor campaign. For women, the outdoor highlight was Chase Jackson's 20.95 m at the Iron Wood Throwers Center in Rathdrum, Idaho, on June 28, setting the tone for strong performances in the discipline.[79] Notably, Chinese thrower Lijiao Gong, who achieved 19.79 m earlier in the season, announced her retirement on November 17, 2025, concluding a career highlighted by multiple Olympic and world medals.[80] The indoor portion of the 2025 season, held primarily from January to March, featured slightly shorter marks due to confined venues but served as a critical transition to outdoor events, with athletes refining technique in controlled environments. In men's indoor competition, New Zealand's Tom Walsh reclaimed the world indoor title with 21.65 m at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing on March 23, the season's leading distance.[75] Women's indoor best came from the Netherlands' Jessica Schilder, who threw 20.69 m at the Omnisport in Apeldoorn on March 9, just ahead of Canada's Sarah Mitton's 20.68 m in Karlsruhe on February 7—the latter tying a national record and representing the farthest women's indoor throw since 2011.[81] These indoor performances often preview outdoor potential, with transitions aided by intensive training camps at facilities like those in the United States and Europe, where athletes focus on explosive power development. Annual trends in shot put show consistent peaks leading into major events like the World Championships, where optimized peaking cycles and competition adrenaline contribute to season highs, as evidenced by the clustering of top marks in July and August 2025.[78] The 2024-2025 period also reflected broader influences, including milder winter conditions in key training regions like the U.S. Midwest and Europe, which extended early outdoor practice opportunities and correlated with incremental distance gains compared to colder prior seasons. World Athletics rankings underscore these patterns, with top performers benefiting from data-driven coaching on biomechanics during camps.[82]Men's Outdoor Top 10 (2025 Season)
| Rank | Athlete | Nationality | Mark | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leonardo Fabbri | ITA | 22.82 m | 03 Aug | Caorle (ITA) |
| 2 | Joe Kovacs | USA | 22.48 m | 05 Jul | Eugene (USA) |
| 3 | Josh Awotunde | USA | 22.47 m | 03 Aug | Eugene (USA) |
| 4 | Payton Otterdahl | USA | 22.35 m | 03 Aug | Eugene (USA) |
| 5 | Ryan Crouser | USA | 22.34 m | 13 Sep | Tokyo (JPN) |
| 6 | Adrian Piperi | USA | 22.29 m | 03 Aug | Eugene (USA) |
| 7 | Roger Steen | USA | 22.11 m | 05 Jul | Eugene (USA) |
| 8 | Chukwuebuka Enekwechi | NGR | 22.10 m | 05 Jul | Eugene (USA) |
| 9 | Rajindra Campbell | JAM | 22.04 m | 05 Jul | Eugene (USA) |
| 10 | Uziel Muñoz | MEX | 21.97 m | 13 Sep | Tokyo (JPN) |
Women's Outdoor Top 10 (2025 Season, Excluding Indoor Marks)
| Rank | Athlete | Nationality | Mark | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chase Jackson | USA | 20.95 m | 28 Jun | Rathdrum (USA) |
| 2 | Jessica Schilder | NED | 20.29 m | 20 Sep | Tokyo (JPN) |
| 3 | Chase Jackson | USA | 20.21 m | 20 Sep | Tokyo (JPN) |
| 4 | Jaida Ross | USA | 20.13 m | 05 Jul | Eugene (USA) |
| 5 | Maddison-Lee Wesche | NZL | 20.06 m | 05 Jul | Eugene (USA) |
| 6 | Maggie Ewen | USA | 19.94 m | 02 Aug | Eugene (USA) |
| 7 | Sarah Mitton | CAN | 19.81 m | 20 Sep | Tokyo (JPN) |
| 8 | Lijiao Gong | CHN | 19.79 m | 03 Aug | Quzhou (CHN) |
| 9 | Fanny Roos | SWE | 19.77 m | 20 Sep | Tokyo (JPN) |
| 10 | Yemisi Ogunleye | GER | 19.74 m | 20 Sep | Tokyo (JPN) |
Men's Indoor Top Performances (2025 Season Highlights)
-
- Tom Walsh (NZL): 21.65 m, 23 Mar, Nanjing (CHN)[75]
-
- Roger Steen (USA): 21.62 m, 23 Mar, Nanjing (CHN)[75]
-
- Adrian Piperi (USA): 21.48 m, 23 Mar, Nanjing (CHN)[75]
Women's Indoor Top Performances (2025 Season Highlights)
-
- Jessica Schilder (NED): 20.69 m, 09 Mar, Apeldoorn (NED)[81]
-
- Sarah Mitton (CAN): 20.68 m, 07 Feb, Karlsruhe (GER)[81]
-
- Yemisi Ogunleye (GER): 20.27 m, 21 Feb, Dortmund (GER)[81]
-
- Sarah Mitton (CAN): 20.48 m (World Indoor title), 21 Mar, Nanjing (CHN)