Kujawy Pomorze, Poland – Tom Walsh, at 34 the oldest competitor in the men’s shot put final, etched his name further into athletics history on Sunday, securing his fourth World Athletics Indoor Championships title. The New Zealander’s winning throw of 21.82 meters – a season’s best – capped a dramatic competition at the Toruń Arena, solidifying his status as the most dominant indoor shot putter of all time. This victory marks Walsh’s seventh medal at the World Indoor Championships, a record for any male athlete.
The competition initially saw a tense battle with Jordan Geist of the United States taking an early lead with a throw of 21.64 meters. However, Geist’s subsequent attempts were plagued by fouls, opening the door for Walsh to capitalize. The New Zealand athlete, a part-time builder who also claimed the world outdoor title in 2017, steadily closed the gap, demonstrating remarkable consistency under pressure. He is also preparing to compete for a third consecutive Commonwealth title in Glasgow later this year.
A Championship Decided in the Final Round
Walsh took the lead in the fifth round with a throw of 21.66 meters, just two centimeters ahead of Geist. The American fouled again, intensifying the pressure heading into the final throw. Geist managed 21.36 meters, but it wasn’t enough to dislodge Walsh, who then punctuated his victory with his season-best effort of 21.82 meters.
Geist ultimately secured the silver medal, while Italy’s Leonardo Fabbri, who entered the competition as the world leader with a throw of 22.50 meters, settled for bronze with a final-round best of 21.49 meters. Fabbri had previously earned bronze at the 2024 World Indoor Championships, according to World Athletics.
Walsh’s Unprecedented Indoor Record
Walsh’s championship win adds another gold medal to his impressive collection – his previous indoor titles came in 2016, 2018, and 2025. He also holds a silver medal from 2024 and bronze medals from 2014, and 2022. Only two women, Maria Mutola of Mozambique and Natalya Nazarova of Russia, have more medals at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, with nine each. No other male athlete has surpassed Walsh’s total of seven medals.
The athlete’s journey began in Poland, and this latest triumph continues a remarkable run of form. Walsh has also twice earned Olympic bronze medals, in 2016 and 2021, demonstrating his consistent performance on the world stage.
Lincoln’s Personal Best, Bukowiecki’s Disappointment
Great Britain’s Scott Lincoln, 32, delivered a personal best performance, throwing 21.13 meters, but narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing in fourth place. Sweden’s Wictor Petersson (21.12m) and Josh Awotunde of the United States (20.96m) rounded out the top six.
The home crowd had hoped for a medal from Konrad Bukowiecki, who briefly raised hopes with a second-round throw of 20.62 meters. However, he was unable to replicate that form and finished eighth.
You can rewatch the highlights of the competition on World Athletics+.
Looking Ahead
Walsh’s continued success at the age of 34 raises questions about how long he can maintain his dominance. With the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on the horizon, he will undoubtedly be a favorite to secure a third consecutive title. His performance in Poland serves as a powerful statement of his enduring athleticism and competitive spirit. The next major event for Walsh will be the outdoor season, where he will look to add to his already impressive list of accomplishments.
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