Tom Walsh (shot putter)
A New Zealand shot put giant whose thunderous throws and boisterous personality have dominated the world's throwing circles for nearly a decade.
Born 1992 (age 34)·New Zealand shot putter·Birthday: March 1·Millennials
Biography
Tom Walsh is the embodiment of power with a grin. Hailing from Timaru, New Zealand, the former concrete worker channels a blue-collar work ethic into perfecting one of sport's most primal acts. Bursting onto the global scene by winning the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Walsh announced himself as a force. His career is defined by consistency at the highest level, claiming world titles both indoors and out, an Olympic bronze, and a relentless series of victories on the Diamond League circuit. What sets Walsh apart is his combative, joyful demeanor in the ring; he's known for roaring and slapping his chest before unleashing a throw. He has pushed the Oceanian record to staggering distances, firmly placing himself among the greatest shot putters of all time.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Tom was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Tom Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Tom's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the World Athletics Championships gold medal in shot put in 2017 and 2019.
- Claimed the Olympic bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Games and bronze again at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
- Set the Oceanian record of 22.90 meters in Doha in 2019, the seventh-best throw in history.
- Won the World Indoor Championships gold medal in 2016 and 2018.
Did You Know?
He worked as a concrete worker and builder before becoming a full-time athlete.
He is known for his distinctive pre-throw routine, which involves a loud roar and chest-slapping.
He won the New Zealand national title for the first time in 2013 and has dominated it for years since.
He and rival Ryan Crouser often engage in friendly banter and have pushed each other to historic throws.
“I just try and throw the thing as far as I can. It's pretty simple.”
