Ryan Crouser breaks shot put world record at US Olympic Trials

The 28-year-old exceeded fellow American Randy Barnes' previous record of 23.12m, which had stood for more than 30 years, electrifying the crowd inside Eugene, Oregon's, Hayward Field.

Crouser stands near the board, which indicates his world record mark on Friday.

Ryan Crouser toppled the men's shot put world record on Friday with a 23.37m throw on the first night of the US Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon.

The 28-year-old reigning Olympic champion exceeded fellow American Randy Barnes' previous record of 23.12m, which had stood for more than 30 years, electrifying the crowd inside Eugene, Oregon's, Hayward Field.

"The second it left my hand I knew it was good," he told reporters. "It wasn’t a perfect throw."

The 6-foot, 7-inch Crouser let out a roar as he rocketed the ball nearly out of the sector on his fourth throw and thrust his hands aloft in triumph, his spot in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics guaranteed.

"It was a weight lifted," he said. "I knew it was possible since 2017."

Joe Kovacs grabbed second in 22.34m, while Payton Otterdahl threw 21.92m to claim the last two of America's three shot put spots for Tokyo.

A native Oregonian, it was only fitting that Crouser bring the newly renovated Hayward Field its first-ever world record achievement.

The achievement brought a jolt of excitement as the US trials began, with hopefuls across track and field disciplines vying for spots on Team USA with the year-delayed Tokyo Games set to begin in July.