'I did what was needed to get the job done' Tom Walsh

Tom Walsh
Tom Walsh

Tom Walsh was aiming for gold in his first Olympics, however he is over the moon with bronze.

"It's pretty cool,” said Walsh.

"I didn't hide it from anybody that I wanted gold, bronze isn't too bad either."

Walsh becomes the first New Zealand male to get a medal in a field event at the Olympics.

The 24-year-old celebrated gold in the world indoor championships, but the bronze medal at his first Olympics was definitely the best result of his career.

"It is awesome to know I've made history not once, but twice this year winning the world indoor championships.

"I put this one above it for sure … even though it's not as good of a colour, it's harder to do."

The Timaru born shot-putter believes New Zealand's future is bright with himself and Jacko Gill having made the finals.

"It's awesome to know New Zealand shot-putting is strong.

"Both of us have been around for a while, but both of us are still very young.”

Gill finished ninth overall.

Walsh won bronze with a throw of 21.36m which was 26cm off his personal best.

American Ryan Crouser threw an Olympic record on his way to gold with a throw of 22.52m.

Newshub.