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Reason why USA shot putter Raven Saunders wears a full face mask in the Olympics

Home> Other

Published 12:12 8 Aug 2024 GMT+1

Reason why USA shot putter Raven Saunders wears a full face mask in the Olympics

Raven Saunders' distinct look at the Paris Olympics has attracted plenty of attention but there is a reason.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

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USA shot putter Raven Saunders has gone viral after sporting a very distinct look at the Paris Olympics.

Saunders participated in the women's shot put at the Stade de France on Thursday and qualified for Friday's final after their throw reached 18.62 metres - the seventh-highest distance of all competitors.

Competing in their third Olympics, the 28-year-old won silver at the Tokyo showpiece and is hoping to go one better this time around.

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Saunders caught the eye after sporting a full black face mask and sunglasses, as well as long, acrylic nails in the US colours, when they took to the field.

But the attire ties in with the 'Hulk' alter-ego Saunders taps into and helps them stay in the zone to be the best version of themselves.

Saunders started wearing the mask during COVID-19 when it was a necessity and continues to do so, as it eliminates all distractions.

Image: Getty
Image: Getty

"I like to be my biggest supporter - I really can't repeat [what I say] because y'all are going to have to bleep out most of the things I say anyway," Yahoo Sport.

"But pretty much to sum it up I'm telling myself - 'You got it, you got it, you're a champion, you have to push, you gotta push, nobody is going to give it to you, you have to work, you have to grind, you gotta get it'.

"Things like that, just a lot of positive affirmations to be able to give myself the power and be able to get done what I need to get done without others interfering."

Saunders is gay and an advocate for both LGBTQ rights and mental health awareness.

Image: Getty
Image: Getty

They avoided punishment from the International Olympic Committee for performing an 'X' gesture in Tokyo - aiming to inspire those who are oppressed.

She was suspended for competing for 18 months after missing three doping tests.

The ban ruled her out of the 2023 World Championships but expired in time for the Olympics.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: USA, Olympics

Josh Lawless
Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and WWE. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has covered two WrestleMania events for SPORTbible.

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@joshlawless_

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