Joe Kovacs

Joe Kovacs is the first shot putter to join the Rogue Athlete family and one of the most elite performers in the sport. A three-time Olympic silver medalist—earning silver in Rio 2016, Tokyo 2021, and Paris 2024—Kovacs has shown remarkable consistency on the global stage.

Born in Nazareth, Pennsylvania on June 28, 1989, Kovacs dominated at Bethlehem Catholic High School as a state champion in both shot put and discus. At Penn State, he became a four-time All-American while studying energy economics and petroleum and natural gas engineering. After narrowly missing the 2012 Olympic team, he turned pro and broke out in 2015 by winning World Championship gold and a Diamond League title, initiating his rise to prominence.

In 2017, he relocated to Columbus, Ohio, partnering with his wife Ashley, who would become his coach and biggest supporter. Together, she guided him to reclaim top form, culminating in another World Championship title in 2019 and, strikingly, a personal best throw of 22.91 meters, the longest in nearly 30 years.

At Tokyo 2021, he secured his second Olympic silver with a 22.65 m throw. Then came the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Kovacs delivered another clutch performance. After two early fouls and slipping to fourth, he unleashed a 22.15 m throw on his final attempt to clinch silver behind teammate Ryan Crouser, securing his third straight Olympic silver.

His medal haul now includes Silver at the 2016, 2021, and 2024 Olympic Games. Also at the World Championships, he won Gold in 2015 and 2019, Silver in 2017 and 2022, and Bronze in 2023. Joe also has multiple titles in the Diamond Leauge.