Shot Put, Men

The United States’ Pat McDonald was a likely favorite, having been U.S. champion in 1911, 1912, 1914, 1919 and 1920, but he had recently injured his hand. The world record holder was the late Ralph Rose, who had recorded 15.54 in August 1909. The Olympic record of 15.34 was held by McDonald, who had set the mark in winning the 1912 gold medal, which helped narrowly defeat Rose. Still, Ville Pörhölä was a top weightman and would have been difficult for McDonald to defeat at his best. The bronze medalist, Harry Liversedge, later became a top Marine commander, who led the American troops that raised the flag at Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima, in the most famous photograph of World War II.