WASHINGTON - Olympic shot put champion Ryan Crouser produced the 12th-best throw in history to win at the Drake Blue Oval Showcase, throwing 22.72m at the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze meeting in Des Moines on Saturday.

Except for his winning mark, all six of Crouser's throws landed well beyond 22m, his shortest heave was 22.27m, while his top four marks were beyond 22.60m.

He started with 22.27m and then broke the stadium record with 22.72m in the next round. Then, the Rio Olympic winner continued with 22.70m and followed it with 22.63m and 22.68m before finishing his series with 22.44m.

"I tried to set myself up for the world record today as best I could, but the big one will come," said Crouser, who set his personal best with 22.91m last month, just 21 centimetres shy of the world record. "I'm just happy to be here competing again."?