Among the more entertaining events during track & field at the 2024 Paris Olympics, shot put can certainly draw a crowd given the feats of strength in hurling the shot as far as possible. But Thursday’s qualification in the women’s competition drew more attention than usual when a masked entrant from the United States took their turn.
Raven Saunders, donning a full-faced black mask and sunglasses, stepped up and tossed the shot far enough to qualify for the final on Friday.
Saunders, the 28-year-old from South Carolina, also dyed their hair neon green on one side and purple on the other. Saunders also had gold grills covering their teeth, while also having the letters “H-U-L-K” in Team USA colors.
Saunders has become known for donning unusual facial coverings during competition. They have worn a version of a Day of the Dead mask during the U.S. Olympic Trials as well as an actual Hulk mouth mask for the 2020 Tokyo Games. Saunders says it helps the alter ego they want to represent.
The United States athlete won a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the event after they dealt with mental health struggles in the past.
“It is one way to make me stand out and encourage other women,” Saunders told the Associated Press. “A lot of younger athletes are coming through and they really push their own styles.”
Saunders recorded 17.93 meters on their second throw, while also registering an even better 18.62 meters on their last throw to clinch a spot in the shot put final.
The 28-year old captured NCAA shot put titles in 2015 and 2016 while competing at Southern Illinois and Ole Miss in their collegiate days. Saunders was forced to miss the 2023 world championships when they were suspended for three missed drug tests over a year-long period.
