Meet Ryan Crouser, the American shot putter who aims to continue competing until next Olympics after achieving historic three-peat at Paris

American field events icon Ryan Crouser became the first athlete in history to win a gold medal in three consecutive Olympics: a feat he achieved at the ongoing Paris Games. He plans to continue until the LA 2028 Games, where he'll be retiring from his decorated athletic career in front of his home crowd.

Crouser, 31, comes from a family of throwers. He reigned supreme at the Stade de France arena on Saturday to win the third shot put Olympic gold of his career with a throw of 22.90 meters: a distance equivalent to 75 feet, 1¾ inches.

On a rainy night in the French arena, Crouser's compatriot and reigning two-time Olympic silver medalist Joe Kovacs finished second to claim his third Olympic silver with a distance of 22.15 meters. Rajindra Campbell of Jamaica won the first medal for his nation in throwing events, finishing third with a throw of 22.15 meters.

Before the event, Crouser had revealed during an interview with USA Today that he was targeting a three-peat at the Paris Olympics. He stated:

"Yeah, going for the three-peat. I’m hoping to be the first person to ever do it."

Ryan Crouser has plans to continue his shot-put ambitions until the next quadrennial event, to make history with the fourth gold medal of his career. He also accepted that the LA 2028 Olympics could potentially be his last professional event.

"I would love to retire in 2028. For any track and field athlete as an American, doing an Olympics in LA on American soil would be a dream. LA in 2028, it would be the dream to retire there." He told USA today on Thursday

Coming off multiple injuries Ryan Crouser shares his thoughts on his performance

Ryan Crouser has been iconic at the Olympic Games (IMAGE: GETTY)

Crouser was recovering from elbow surgery and was suffering from a torn pectoral muscle when he secured his spot for the Paris Olympics during the US trials in June. Because of these injury setbacks, he had to withdraw his name from this year's Prefontaine Classic.

However, he still managed to qualify for the Olympics and became part of history on Saturday. Reflecting on his record-breaking performance in Paris, Crouser said (via USA Today):

"So much hard work and dedication goes into all the track and field disciplines. Every four years we get a chance to show the world. It’s truly an honor to go out there and compete. Every Olympics is special."

Talking about his future aspirations, Crouser also mentioned that he wants to try his hands at the discus throw in the coming years.