Raven Saunders has never been afraid to make an impression, and they did just that in the Paris Olympics shot put semifinals on Thursday.
The American athlete, well-known for their mask, sunglasses, and dyed hair, is sporting their iconic appearance at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.Saunders, who goes by they/them, qualified for the women's shot put final with a third throw that measured 18.62 metres.The 28-year-old hopes to improve on the silver medal they took home from Tokyo three years prior.
But why exactly do they wear a mask?
Why does Raven Saunders wear a face mask?
Saunders adopted the mask, glasses, and hairdo as part of their 'Hulk' alter ego.
This is an effort to assist Saunders in managing the anxiety and stress that accompany performing at the highest levels of their sport.
The Hulk, also known as Bruce Banner, is a well-known superhero. He sometimes lives a normal life and other times is a formidable hero who uses his powers to vent his rage.Additionally, the 28-year-old athlete previously disclosed that there is a very particular explanation for why their unique appearance evokes the superhero.
They told Yahoo in 2021: “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,’ Saunders told Yahoo in 2021.
“But through my journey, especially dealing with mental health and things like that, I learned how to compartmentalise, 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.”
Saunders made a splash during the past Olympics with their mask designs, which included a Joker pattern and a Hulk motif for the championship match.This time around, during qualification, Saunders' sported half-purple, half-green hair and supporters saw them wearing a black mask and tinted sunglasses.Saunders also offered a preview of the gold grills they had fitted over their teeth to the assembled spectators.
When are the women’s shot put finals?
Saunders advanced to the women's shot put finals with their third try of 18.62 metres on Thursday, and will compete for the gold tonight, Friday (August 9) at 6.30pm.
