"Grandpa, we did it": Olympian weeps over handwritten note
American athlete Ryan Crouser made headlines on Thursday after a sentimental handwritten note caught everyone's attention.
After winning gold in the men's shot put final, Crouser held up a note that read "Grandpa, we did it. 2020 Olympic champion!"
The 28-year-old broke his own Olympic record that he set at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and showcased the emotional letter in celebration with tears in his eyes.
Crouser explained, “I held up a sign at the end and that was for my grandpa. He passed away just over a week ago. … He’s been my biggest fan."
Image credit: Getty Images
"I held the note because, at the end, he lost his hearing so I would write whatever I wanted to say to him and he would read it and answer back."
"That was the last note that I wanted to write to him, that I didn’t get the chance to. I know he was here with me in spirit."
Crouser took to the podium alongside another American athlete taking out the silver, and New Zealand claiming the bronze.
Crouser's beaming smile was bursting with pride as he won another medal for his country, and in turn, his grandfather.
He said, “I know he would be proud if he was here and I felt like he was here watching me. It was definitely a special day.”
Image credit: Getty Images