Ryan Crouser; Photo by Ross Dettman (2022 Millrose Games at The Armory)
Joe Kovacs; Photo by Ross Dettman (2020 Millrose Games at The Armory)
NEW YORK, December 1, 2022 – The 115th Millrose Games, the most iconic indoor track & field event in the world, will once again welcome the two best shot putters in the world, Ryan Crouser and Joe Kovacs. The two titans of the throwing ring will be facing off at Millrose for the fourth consecutive time.
This historic rivalry will surely be one of the most anticipated events of the entire meet, scheduled for Saturday, February 11th at the historic New Balance Track & Field Center at The Armory.
“Ryan and Joe have elevated their event into one of the most exciting in all of track and field, and we are proud to host both of these great athletes at The Armory again for the Millrose Games,” remarked Ray Flynn, the Millrose Games Meeting Director.
At this point in his career, Crouser’s claim to Greatest of All-Time status is virtually undisputed. After winning his first Olympic gold medal in 2016, Crouser set both the indoor and outdoor world records in 2021, and he defended his title in Tokyo with the most dominant performance in the history of the shot put, launching all six attempts beyond the previous Olympic record. In 2022, he addressed the only hole on his resume, winning his first outdoor world championship in Eugene. Crouser has won at Millrose three years in a row, and every time he steps in the ring, the world record is under threat.
“I’m excited to make a return to the Millrose Games again this year,” said Crouser. “The meet is always the best meet of the indoor circuit, and always a highlight for me. The shot put has hit new levels the past few years and I see no slowing down for the event. I’m pushing every day to break new ground and I hope to show that at Millrose on February 11th.”
Crouser’s greatest challenger will come in the form of Kovacs, his friend and global rival. Kovacs is a two-time world outdoor champion, memorably edging out Crouser by just one centimeter at the Doha 2019 event. He also took Olympic silver behind Crouser in both 2016 and 2021. In 2022, Kovacs set the world-leading mark ahead of Crouser, moving up to second on the all-time performance list and winning the prestigious Diamond league final in zurich.
“The Millrose Games is the most historic indoor track meet on US soil,” said Kovacs. I am honored to be a part of its 115th year history and excited for the opportunity to make history at this year’s shot put show.”
As always, the Millrose Games will feature the absolute best athletes in the sport, including dozens of Olympians and world champions. Already announced are two other athletes who are also the two best in the world in their event, pole vaulters Katie Nageotte and Sandi Morris. Now added to the event is the 2016 Olympic Games champion Katerina Stefanidi from Greece.
The Millrose Games is a World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meet. With highest-level competition at the youth, high school, collegiate, club, and professional levels, there is truly something for everyone at the Millrose Games.
Stay tuned over the coming months as more athletes and events are announced. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.millrosegames.org/
The Armory hosts more than 100 track & field meets throughout the indoor season and for more information on all Armory Track events, visit https://www.armorytrack.com and https://www.armory.nyc
Follow The Armory on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @armorynyc.
Media planning to cover the Millrose Games can register for credentials by clicking on Credentials - 115th Millrose Games and filling out the request form.
About The Armory Foundation
The Armory Foundation is a New York City non-profit institution, with the mission of "Keeping Kids on Track." Each season The Armory – the proud home of the Millrose Games – hosts more than 100 track & field meets and welcomes more than 220,000 athlete visits. Among its many youth sports and educational programs, including the acclaimed Armory College Prep program, The Armory runs the leading collegiate indoor track meets with the Dr. Sander Invitational Columbia Challenge and the HBCU Showcase sponsored by KPMG, and hosts the largest high school indoor track meets with the Hispanic Games, The Officials Hall of Fame Invitational, the Coaches Hall of Fame Invitational and Holiday Classic. New York Road Runners is a proud sponsor of all athletic events at The Armory. The Armory runs the CUIMC Team Relay Marathon presented by New York Road Runners, which is the world’s largest indoor marathon relay. The Armory is also the home to the National Track & Field Hall of Fame and dozens of very large education-focused events. For more: Please visit Armory.NYC and ArmoryTrack.com.
