TOKYO (AP) - Ryan Krauser broke his own Olympic record to defend his shot put title on a hot day in Tokyo on Thursday.
In his final attempt, Krauser covered a distance of 23.30 m (76 ft, 5½ in) to earn the first track and field gold medal for American men at the Tokyo Games. American teammate Joe Kovacs finished second and New Zealand's Tomas Walsh third.
The 28-year-old Krauser ran 22.52m when he won the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
Krauser is already the world record holder after breaking the 31-year-old mark at the US Olympic Trials on June 18. His effort that evening ran 23.37 metres.
In the sweltering heat at the Olympic Stadium, Krauser took the lead on his first attempt and saved his best for his final attempt. He clapped - sending a dusting of chalk into the air - and celebrated. He also wore his cowboy hat for the occasion.
His family and friends had gathered for a watch party in Redmond, Oregon. Wearing a "crosser" shirt, he showed the greatest excitement of all when commenters proclaimed those magic words: "Gold Medalist."
They were competing with a heavy heart recently after the death of their grandfather. On a piece of paper, Krauser had a heartfelt message: "Grandpa. we've done. 2020 Olympic Champion!"