Raven Saunders typically competes wearing a Hulk-themed mask. Here’s why.
Three-time shot put Olympian Raven Saunders typically competes in a signature-themed mask. Most of the time, it’s a Hulk version, and if you’ve never seen something like that before, it certainly will catch your eye and make you wonder why.
Raven’s reason for wearing the mask is very deep and personal. It’s become a representation of their mental health journey and a nod to an alter ego developed out of necessity.
“Early on, similar to the Hulk, I had a tough time differentiating between the two; I had a tough time controlling when the Hulk came out or when the Hulk didn’t come out,” she said.
“But 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, learned how to let the Hulk come out during the right moments and that way it also gave him a sign of mental peace.
“But when the Hulk came out, the Hulk was smashing everything that needed to be smashed.”
.@GiveMe1Shot's reaction after throwing a personal best and breaking the meet record in the women's shot put final is good.
Raven Saunders has one thing on their mind: Olympic gold.
For the Paris Olympics this summer, For The Win is helping you get to know some of the star Olympians competing on the world’s biggest stage. We’re highlighting 15 Team USA athletes in the 15 days leading up to the Opening Ceremony. Up next is Raven Saunders
When it comes to shot put athletes, there are few who will turn heads like Raven Saunders.
The two-time Olympian, with hair often varying in an array of vibrant colors, is going to Paris with their signature masks in tow, including a mesmerizing Hulk version.
Saunders is seeking a highly coveted Gold medal. Will it happen in August? That remains to be seen. But, in the meantime, here are five things you should know about them before the competition.
1. Raven Saunders is a huge queer community, mental health and social justice advocate
Aug 1, 2021; Tokyo, Japan; Raven Saunders (USA) protests on the medal podium after winning the silver medal in the women’s shot put during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
As an athlete who has dealt with several issues over their lifetime, including the death of a parent and pandemic-related Olympic training hurdles that fostered a deep depression, Raven focuses on using their platform to spread awareness about what they are facing.
“Being Black and seeing all the things politically, then being a woman while knowing that I have to keep pushing myself and work twice as hard and then also being queer and knowing that.”
“I get mistaken as a male all the time, too, so it’s really about just finding the room to stand up for myself in certain spaces and being confident in who I am and not really caring about any outside opinions.”
2. They are nearly always wearing a mask in competitions
Jun 26, 2022; Eugene, OR, USA; Raven Saunders throws in a face mask in the women’s shot put during the USA Championships at Hayward Field, Eugene. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
It’s not uncommon to see Raven wearing a mask while competing, especially a gritty, teeth-baring Hulk version that is a tribute to an alter ego.
Per Shalise Manza Young of Yahoo! Sports, the mask represents learning how to compartmentalize and control the things they face mentally — much like Bruce Banner’s Hulk did. Over time, they have learned how to let Hulk surface at just the right time to bring peace to their life.
3. In 2023, they were banned for three doping testing whereabouts violations
According to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, they were part of a pool of elite athletes who were required to update the organization of their location for out-of-competition testing. Their ban technically began in August 2022, the date of the third failure, and was lifted in February 2024.
4. They have improved every Olympic appearance and are seeking their first gold medal
Raven’s Olympic journey began in 2016 at the Rio Olympic Games, where they placed fifth in the shot put. In 2021, in Tokyo, they had their best showing yet, with a magnificent 19.79 meter (65 feet) throw that earned them a silver medal.
Upon arrival in Paris, they will be seeking an Olympic gold medal.
Raven Smash.@Bulldogs1910 alum the great Raven Saunders will represent team USA for a 3rd time in the Paris Olympics.
