August 8th 2024.
Raven Saunders certainly knows how to make a statement in Paris. Whenever they step onto the field for the shot put, all eyes are drawn to their striking appearance. Their signature mask, sunglasses, and vibrant purple and green hair have become synonymous with the USA star. And now, at the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Olympics, Saunders' infamous look is once again on full display.
But it's not just their appearance that sets Saunders apart. The 28-year-old, who uses the pronouns they/them, also stands out for their impressive athletic abilities. In the qualifying round, Saunders threw an impressive 18.62m on their third attempt, securing a spot in the women's shot put final. And with their sights set on the gold medal, Saunders is determined to go one step further than their silver medal win at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.
As we eagerly await the final showdown at the Stade de France on Friday, Saunders' unique style continues to be the talk of the town. Many have been curious about the reason behind their signature mask, which they have been wearing for competitions even before the pandemic. But for Saunders, it's not just a fashion statement. It's actually an important part of their mental preparation for elite-level competition.
Saunders has adopted the persona of the Hulk, a powerful and iconic comic book character, to help them cope with the stress and pressure of competing at the highest level. Like the Hulk, Saunders has learned to control their emotions and channel them towards their performance. In an interview with Yahoo in 2021, they explained, "Through my journey, especially dealing with mental health and things like that, I learned how to compartmentalize, the same way that Bruce Banner learned to control the Hulk."
And the mask is not the only aspect of the Hulk persona that Saunders has embraced. At the Tokyo Olympics, they made the iconic "X" gesture with their hands while receiving their silver medal. This symbolizes the intersection of all oppressed individuals and was a powerful statement from the openly gay athlete. Saunders hopes that their platform as an Olympic athlete can bring attention to important issues and stand up for those who may not have a voice.
Saunders' actions at the Tokyo Olympics sparked controversy and even led to an investigation by the International Olympic Committee. But despite their 18-month ban for missing three doping tests, Saunders has returned just in time to compete in Paris. And with the support of their fans and fellow athletes, they continue to defy expectations and advocate for important causes.
As we await the final results of the women's shot put, one thing is for sure – Raven Saunders will continue to make their mark on and off the field. Their unique style, fierce determination, and commitment to using their platform for good make them a true star of the Paris 2024 Olympics. And we can't wait to see what they will do next.
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