Men’s Shot Put Olympic Podium Rematch Takes the Ring at The Prefontaine Classic
Another Paris Podium Rematch will take to the ring at the 50th edition of The Prefontaine Classic, this time welcoming the Men’s Shot Put Olympic medalists to the lineup of confirmed athletes. The world’s best throwers return to Hayward Field at the University of Oregon on Saturday, July 5 to throw far in what has become a premier event of the meet.
Reigning three-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Crouser (USA) is no stranger to the Pre Classic or Hayward Field. The Boring, Oregon native has competed at the venue since his youth, and five of his 10 furthest throws have taken place at Hayward Field. The world record-holder in the event (23.56m / 77’ 3.75”), Crouser is a four-time Pre Classic champion, three-time World Athletics Outdoor Championships medalist, two-time World Athletics Indoor Championships medalist, and eleven-time national champion.
Reigning three-time Olympic silver medalist Joe Kovacs (USA) returns to defend his 2024 and 2023 Pre Classic titles, throwing a 23.13m (75’ 10.75”) world-leading mark to secure the victory last year and 22.93m (75’ 2.75”) to earn the Diamond Trophy in 2023. Kovacs own four Pre Classic titles, five World Athletics Outdoor Championships medals, two Diamond Trophies, and three national titles in the event. Also a fan of Hayward Field’s ring, four of Kovacs’ top-ten all-time marks have occurred in the venue. Kovacs’ personal best of 23.23m (76’ 2.75”) is the Diamond League record in the event.
Reigning Olympic bronze medalist Rajindra Campbell (JAM) returns to Pre Classic coming off a stellar 2024 – a year that saw eight of his top-ten marks ever thrown. The Jamaican is a back-to-back national champion, earning the title in both 2023 and 2024. Campbell’s personal best of 22.31m (73’ 2.5”) is the Jamaican national record in the event. His performance in Paris was the first ever Olympic medal in the shot put event for Jamaica.
The Men’s Shot Put has become a staple at The Prefontaine Classic, with fans often witnessing a world-leading or record-breaking mark during competition. In the past 10 years of Men’s Shot Put at Pre Classic, both Crouser and Kovacs have won the event four times.
The 50th edition of The Prefontaine Classic will be held on Saturday, July 5 at Hayward Field. Tickets start at just $35 and may be purchased at here. Lexus Legacy Experience VIP packages, which can be purchased in addition to an event ticket, are on sale now.