After winning the silver in the women’s shot put competition, the Olympian opens up to TODAY about what her “X” on the podium really meant.
But if any real risk of IOC sanctions exists for Saunders, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee has come forward to state its own findings.
"As with all delegations, Team USA is governed by the Olympic Charter and rules set forth by the IOC for Tokyo 2020," the USOPC said in a statement to. “Per the USOPC's delegation terms, the USOPC conducted its own review and determined that Raven Saunders' peaceful expression in support of racial and social justice that happened at the conclusion of the ceremony was respectful of her competitors and did not violate our rules related to demonstration.
Of course, Saunders is accustomed to drawing attention, whether it be for her strong efforts in track and field or for her standout style, which recently saw her wearingduring the shot put qualifying round and a mask of Marvel superhero the Hulk in the main event. In fact, the woman with striking green and purple hair is even nicknamed after the big green guy.
Raven Saunders also wore a Hulk mask before she competed in the women's shot put finals at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials.She opened up on the story behind that moniker and mask during her chat on TODAY. “The Hulk is really a way for me to compartmentalize,” Saunders said. “I talk about mental health and I talk about mental health awareness a lot, especially with my personal struggles. So, for me, the mask is a way for me to channel my inner Hulk. Raven still gets to have fun, twerk a little bit, celebrate, you know, dance a little something something.”Ree Hines is a freelance writer and editor who covers pop culture, lifestyle stories and trending news.
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