The shot put at the World Championships in Athletics has been contested by both men and women since the inaugural edition in 1983.

Gong Lijiao is the most decorated athlete in the event, having won a total of 8 medals in total between 2009 and 2023, more than any athlete has won in a single individual event.

The most successful athletes on the men's side are John Godina and Werner Günthör, who have won 3 gold medals each.

Joe Kovacs is the most decorated athlete on the men's side, with 5 medals in total.

The current championship records are 23.51 m for men, set by Ryan Crouser in 2023, and 21.24 m for women, set by Natalya Lisovskaya in 1987 and tied by Valerie Adams in 2011.