The Paris Olympics isn’t just a showcase of athletic prowess; it’s a runway for bold fashion statements too. From the starting blocks to the medal podiums, athletes are turning heads with their style choices over the two-week spectacle. Amid the myriad of fashion accessories, one stands out with undeniable intensity: the menacing mask of American shot-putter Raven Saunders. But who is this enigmatic figure behind the mask?

Raven Saunders, with her fierce persona and unique sense of style, has captivated audiences both on and off the field. Known for her powerful performances in shot put and her striking, statement-making masks, Saunders brings an air of mystery and intrigue to the sport. The mask isn’t just a fashion accessory; it’s a symbol of her resilience and individuality. Let’s delve into the story of this remarkable athlete and uncover what drives her to blend sport and statement so seamlessly.

Who is Raven Saunders?

Born on May 15, 1996, Saunders was raised in Charleston in South California. They started their athletic journey as a professional basketball player before eventually moving to track and field. The American athlete made their Olympic debut in 2016 at Rio de Janeiro. While they failed to achieve anything significant that year, the player ensured to keep her hopes high and rose to glory over the years.

Coming to their gender identity, Saunders identifies as a lesbian and has been open about her identity. The athlete uses the pronouns ‘they/them’ and has been a formidable voice when it comes to raising awareness about the LGBTQ community.

Education and Early Career

Saunders attended Burke High School in their hometown Charleston. Their athletic endeavor started in the school itself as the player participated in numerous events while being there. Coached in high school by Herbert Johnson, Saunders broke the national high school indoor record for the shot put.

They achieved a mark of 17.27 m in March 2014. They continued to create yet another record and in April 2014 broke the national high school outdoor record for the shot put with a mark of 17.29 m. The athlete was also named the Gatorade Female Track and Field Athlete of the Year for their remarkable achievements on the field. 

College Career

The American athlete’s college career was as profound as their school.  Saunders initially attended the Southern Illinois University (SIU, where they won multiple shot put titles at the Missouri Valley Conference and NCAA Championships in 2015. The trajectory continued even after they were transferred to the University of Mississippi.

Saunders went on to win the shot put titles at Southeastern Conference and NCAA Championships in 2016, yet again. In doing so, the ace player broke the 23-year-old outdoor championship record with their shot put throw of 19.33 m. These achievements helped the iconic player shine brightly even at the International tournaments. 

International Competitions

The 28-year-old emerged as the silver medalist at the 2014 World Junior Championships, behind Guo Tianqian of China. Just a year later, Saunders was placed eighth at the 2015 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. They also topped the table at the Pan American Junior Champion in 2015.

In doing so, Saunders beat the runner-up by over two and a half meters with a throw of 18.27 m, thereby setting a new record in the championship. Besides, they were placed second at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, to qualify for the Olympics. And once Saunders made it to the Olympics in 2016, they never looked back. 

2021 Tokyo Olympics

Ahead of the Olympic games, Saunders was placed second at the U.S. Olympic Trials where they made a throw of 19.96 m. This portrayed the zeal and determination with which the star athlete was entering the Tokyo Olympics. Eventually, their skills amalgamated with the desire to win brought fruits with Saunder becoming the silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics. 

The star player made a throw of 19.79 m or 64 ft 11 in, thereby clinching the prestigious award. However, the victory was followed by a series of controversies. Saunders made a symbolic gesture on the podium after winning the medal in support of oppressed people, which led to a probe by the IOC to identify if the act was a breach of conduct. However, the committee later supported her and said, that the gesture was a “peaceful expression in support of racial and social justice that was respectful of her competitors.” The investigation was eventually dropped in August 2021, following the death of Saunders’ mother. But the star player once again found themselves surrounded by controversy.

2023 Suspension

Saunders was suspended in March 2023 by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) until February 2024 for missing three doping tests (whereabouts failures). The athlete later accepted the charges and admitted the responsibility for their failure to appear before the agency. 

The statement by Saunders, however, clarified that the absence was due to the added responsibilities following their mother’s demise and the hip injury that they faced in the fall of 2021. Saunders remained committed to their career and has been using their stature to raise awareness about mental health and LGBTQ issues. 

Athletic Achievements

Despite the challenges that came in their life, Saunders has remained dedicated. They won the silver in women’s shot put at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Known for their powerful performances and consistent presence in elite competitions, the star athlete has once again qualified for the Paris Olympic finals and is looking to achieve bigger this year. 

 Despite the busy schedule, Saunders has managed to take time out to voice themselves on crucial matters. 

Advocacy and Symbolism

Saunders has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights and mental health awareness. They have also been vocal about the rights of bovine animals, especially bulls. The American athlete made headlines for forming an “X” on the podium in Tokyo, symbolizing the intersection of oppression. This led to a huge furor with IOC initiating an investigation. 

Eventually, Saunders was acquitted of the charges. But, what remains interesting is the unique mask that they have donned this Olympics. 

Why Does Raven Saunders Wear a Mask?

The American athlete revealed the true reason behind wearing the mask. The journey with the mask started during the pandemic and has continued to stay relevant for Saunders. They revealed that it helps them stay focused and avoid distractions during their matches. 

Saunders is currently expressing themselves in a ‘Hulk’ like mask. “I’m in full form,” Saunders said of the outfit. “I had to remind the people, I am who I am.” Saunders uses their “Hulk” alter ego when competing to deal with the stress that comes with elite-level sport. It helps them relate to the superhero’s difficult road toward controlling his strength and power, thereby helping them channel their stress.

As the ongoing Paris Olympics draws close for Saunders, it would be interesting to see how helpful the mask becomes for the athlete.