Athletics: Tom Walsh second at Diamond League event

Tom Walsh from New Zealand competes in the men's shot put event at the Diamond League event in Lausanne, Switzerland. Photo / AP

Kiwi shot putter Tom Walsh has thrown a season-best effort to finish second at the Diamond League event in Lausanne.

The Rio Olympics bronze medallist finished behind American Ryan Crouser with a 21.97m effort.

Crouser, the Olympic champion, won the event with a meet-record throw of 22.39m.

Czech Republic's Tomas Stanek finished third. New Zealand's Jacko Gill was eighth with a best throw of 20.70m.

Walsh, who won the Diamonda League shot title last season, unleashed his biggest effort in the opening round, but his lead lastest only a few minutes, as Crouser stepped into the circle soon after and tossed 22.18m.

Still, the Kiwi will be encouraged by his consistency, coming off a heavy two-week weight training block and looking to freshen up before next month's world championships in London.

All six throws were measured and his worst (21.46m) would still have been good enough to hold second placing.

"It was a very strong performance by the group. I am very happy with 21.97," said Walsh.

"I train a lot with Ryan and he almost always is ahead of me. I need to turn the table at some point of time. Not today, who knows I may do that at the biggest stage."