Joe Kovacs

About

American shot putter who won gold medals at the 2015 and 2019 World Championships, and silver medals at the 2017 World Championships, 2016, 2020, and 2024 Summer Olympics.

Before Fame

He attended Bethlehem Catholic High School, where he excelled in track and field, capturing PIAA titles in both discus and shot put during his senior year.

Trivia

He earned his undergraduate degree in Earth and Mineral Sciences from Penn State University. After winning his second National Championship in June, he threw 22.56 m at the Herculis meet in Monaco, moving past four Americans to become the eighth-best performer in history and recording the longest throw since 2003.

Family Life

He is married to former collegiate shot-putter and Vanderbilt University throwing coach Ashley Kovacs, who began coaching him in 2019. Together, they have twins, Kannon and Kaari, who were born in October 2022.

Associated With

He follows Ryan Humiston on Instagram.