American thrower Raven Saunders, the Olympic vice-champion in Tokyo 2021, has once again captured public attention, not just with her remarkable performance but also with her vibrant appearance.
During the shot put qualifications at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, August 8, Saunders’ distinct style was impossible to miss.
With long manicures in the colours of the United States, purple and green-coloured hair, a black balaclava, and flamboyant sunglasses, she made a spectacular entrance that was both iconic and memorable.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Marianne Vos Grabs Amstel Gold Race Victory As Wiebes Celebrates Too Soon
The official account of the games even tweeted, “Raven Saunders in the city of fashion, it could only be iconic.”
Saunders’ choice of attire wasn’t merely for show. After the competition, she explained, “I wanted to try to attract the attention of the world, to put our discipline more in the spotlight.
“We are shot putters but we have our style too, we can do things in a way as grandiose as the sprinters and we deserve the spotlight.” By using her appearance to draw attention, Saunders elevated the profile of shot put and its athletes, proving that they too can be icons of style and substance.
Beyond her athletic achievements and distinctive style, Raven Saunders is deeply committed to social causes, identifying as non-binary and advocating for the rights of LGBT individuals and mental health awareness.
YOU CAN'T SEE ME 🎭
Raven Saunders in the city of fashion, it was sure to be iconic 💫
–
Raven Saunders dans la ville de la mode, ça ne pouvait qu'être iconique 💫📸 Getty / Patrick Smith#Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/khld7T5azB
— Paris 2024 (@Paris2024) August 8, 2024
Saunders has a history of using her platform to raise important issues. At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, she wore a “Hulk” mask and, upon winning a medal, raised and crossed her arms in an ‘X’ to signify solidarity with those who are struggling and voiceless.
Le look de Raven Saunders ne passe pas inaperçu 🥷 #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/Y702C4GTS7
— Eurosport France (@Eurosport_FR) August 8, 2024
Her activism is a testament to her courage and commitment to championing those without a platform.
Before a shot put competition Raven Saunders transforms into their alter ego, The Hulk.” That includes mask, sunglasses, gold teeth, hair dyed green and purple and long bedazzled nails … @usatf @GiveMe1Shot pic.twitter.com/crj5T1XMUB
— Patrick Graham (@pgraham34) August 8, 2024
Raven Saunders is back in the limelight after serving an 18-month ban, which ended in February 2024, for committing three anti-doping “whereabouts failures” in a year. Despite this setback, she managed to qualify for the finals with a throw of 18.62m.
However, her fellow competitor and two-time world champion Chase Jackson fell short with a throw of 17.60m, highlighting Saunders’ comeback.
