Ryan Crouser sends message to grandpa after breaking Olympic record (Photo)

Men’s shot put champion Ryan Crouser wrote a heartwarming message to his grandpa after breaking his own record for gold at the Olympics.

Winning gold at the Olympics is an amazing achievement. To be able to share that moment with your family would take it over the top.

Unfortunately, families aren’t able to be in Tokyo to cheer on the athletes this year. For some, that’s simply because of restrictions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. For others, the reasons are much sadder.

Ryan Crouser lost his grandfather the day before he left to compete in his second Olympics. After winning gold for a second time, he found a heartwarming way to express his love and gratitude to the man who got him into throwing with a piece of white paper and a marker.

“Grandpa, we did it. 2020 Olympic Champion!” Crouser wrote.

Growing up, Crouser used to practice with his grandpa in his backyard. There isn’t a better way to honor him than doing what he did in Tokyo.

Ryan Crouser competed at the Olympics in honor of his late grandfather

Incredibly, all three of Crouser’s throws were Olympic records. The first at 74 feet, 11 inches broke his Olympic record from 2016 in Rio when he won gold for the first time. His second attempt bested that one at 75 feet, 2 3/4 inches. His third and final throw was the best of them all. Breaking his record again, he tossed it 76 feet, 5 1/2 inches.

Crouser’s mark was more than two feet clear of silver medalist Joe Kovacs, a fellow American. Thomas Walsh of New Zealand took bronze.