Walsh left with plentiful task
‘‘Plenty.’’
That was Tom Walsh’s oneword response when asked how much more he has to give, in the men’s shot put final at the Tokyo Olympics today.
He’ll need all of that ‘‘plenty’’ if he’s to challenge man mountain Ryan Crouser for gold at the Olympic Stadium (2.05pm NZT start).
There’s a reason the American is an almost unbackable favourite – he’s paying $1.02 at the
NZ TAB to win – and Walsh will likely need to produce the throw of his life to go two steps better than his bronze medal from the Rio Olympics.
Unlike
Walsh, who qualified for the final on controversial circumstances with his third and final throw on Tuesday night, Crouser threw 22.05m first up, popped his tracksuit back on and put his feet up.
That just continued a stellar 2021 for Crouser; he’s undefeated, gone over 23m twice, and in his last four outings has thrown more than 22m with every single legal attempt.
Oh, and just two months ago he broke the 32-year-old world record with a mammoth 23.37m effort at the US Olympic trials.
Not that Walsh, who has a season best of 22.22m, appears to be worried.
The 2017 world champion has a history of performing on the big stage, and knows Crouser has not always done that. The pressure of the Olympic final can do many things.
‘‘No doubt Crouser is the favourite going in, but sometimes it’s a good place to be as not the favourite. I’m enjoying throwing again, enjoying the competitions again. I know I’m in pretty much the best shape of my life,’’ Walsh told Stuff before the Olympics.
‘‘One thing I’ve realised over the years is it doesn’t matter what anyone does at any other time of the year, its anyone’s game when it comes to the Big Dance. I think I’ve proven over my career I’ve always shown up, always been in good shape, and usually cashed in on that.
‘‘It’s a hell of a throw from him [the world record], but there’s no reason why I can’t do that [in Tokyo].’’
Walsh had the second best qualifying mark – 21.49m – for the final, but is thankful just to be lining up today after an officiating shambles almost saw him wiped out on Tuesday night.
Red flags were raised on all three of his qualifying attempts. However, having already had a foul on his below-par 20.38m second attempt overturned, he was eventually given the all clear on his third and final 21.49m effort.
But that was only after an agonising wait while officials canvassed replays, and with the assistance of Canterbury official Trevor Spittle.
‘‘It’s not the way I’d like it to be done, but there were two really good throws there.’’
Walsh is the second favourite to win gold, at $7, just ahead of American Joe Kovacs ($7.50). According to the bookies the big three have the medals sewn up, with the fourth favourite, Darlan Romani, of Brazil, rated a 36-1 chance to win.
Like the women’s event, New Zealand will have two putters in the final, with Jacko Gill’s third and final attempt of 20.96m the ninth equal best in qualifying.
‘‘It’s not the way I’d like it to be done, but there were two really good throws there.’’
Tom Walsh