The China Mail - Shot put legend Crouser enjoys proudest moment at worlds

The 32-year-old American led from the second round to win at a packed National Stadium in Tokyo and become only the second man to win three successive world outdoor shot put titles.

Crouser won with a mark of 22.34 metres, Mexican Uziel Munoz took a surprise silver medal on his last throw in a national record of 21.97m and Italy's European champion Leonardo Fabbri the bronze just three centimetres behind.

Crouser, the world record holder and who made history last year winning a third successive Olympic shot put title, emulates Werner Guenthoer of Switzerland, who achieved that feat in 1987, 1991 and 1993.

"Every championship has a different aspect to it but this one is the one I am most proud of," said Crouser, who eschewed his usual donning of a stetson as part of his celebrations.

"This is my first time throwing hard since last September last year, so I really didn't know what kind of shape I was in."

It was an engrossing contest from start to finish.

Crouser took the lead with his second round throw of 21.99m passing fellow veteran and 2017 champion Tom Walsh's opening gambit of 21.58m.

The second round proved costly to Walsh as he was relegated to third by Fabbri, who registered a mark of 21.83m.

However, the old warrior that is Walsh fought back and in the fifth and penultimate round summoned up one last, immense effort to reach out to 21.94.

Fabbri, 28, replied in killer fashion by launching a throw of 21.94 to move back ahead of Walsh due to countback.

- 'Take a back seat' -

Crouser recorded his winning distance in a remarkable round of throwing, which will have delighted World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe, who reiterated on Friday it is his favoured event outside of the two track events in which he competed.

His throw had the genial American roaring with delight and waving his arms at the crowd to get their applause.

Munoz then landed one to the heart of Walsh as the Mexican recorded his silver medal-winning mark.

The fight had gone out of Walsh, who threw a limp response -- Fabbri's energy too was spent and Crouser raised his arms to the sky once again as he confirmed his legendary status in the sport.

For Crouser it had been a step into unknown territory when he took his first throw in Saturday's qualifying.

"It was kind of a fake it till you make it today," said Crouser. "I have been very limited with the number of my throws.

"So to win a medal with this kind of improper preparation is something I am very proud of. There has been a lot of doubt to be honest."

The fly-fishing and yoga adherent spared a though for compatriot and two-time world champion Joe Kovacs.

Kovacs could have been chosen instead of him but Crouser got the nod.

"We left one of the best shot putters in the world at home so I felt like I owed it to Joe to come out here and execute," he said.

As for the future, Crouser, who has been bedevilled by injuries the past few years, said it was time to give priority to his wife's career.

"Now my career is taking a little bit of a back seat," he said.

"My wife is a doctor and started her residency programme so we are moving houses and I'm trying to start a new training group."

R.Lin--ThChM