Why does Olympic silver medallist Raven Saunders where a mask for shotput?

OLYMPIC VIEWERS were left confused by Olympic medallist Raven Saunders’ choice to don a mask for the Paris 2024 Games.

But why did they do it and why does the athlete go by the nickname “Hulk”?

Raven often wears grills to express themselvesAFP

Raven won a silver medal at the Tokyo OlympicsAP: Associated Press

Who is Raven Saunders?

Raven is an American athlete from South Carolina, who specialises in shotput.

Raven is openly queer and goes by they/them pronouns.

They began their sporting career in high school, where they received the Gatorade Female Track and Field Athlete of the Year award.

In 2014, Raven placed first at the US Junior Championships and received a silver medal at the World Junior Championships in Athletics.

Raven crowdfunded the journey to the World Junior Championships in Oregon, which is over 3000 miles from their hometown in South Carolina.

Their efforts were not in vain, as the competition helped launch Raven’s shotput career.

They went on to win a silver medal in shotput, at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The silver-winning throw was measured at 19.79 m.

Tragically, Raven lost their mother just days after her Olympic win.

Also, Raven was investigated for her protest on the podium where they made an “X” shape with their arms.

She said the “X” shape represented “the intersection of where all people who are oppressed meet.”

The investigation was dropped after the death of their mother.

Why does Raven Saunders wear a mask and why do they go by Hulk?

Saunders is openly queerAP: Associated Press

Raven wears masks during their games and these masks often completely cover their face.

They range from balaclavas to hulk masks, referencing their in-game persona known as “Hulk”.

The persona takes its name from the Marvel comic book character.

It allows “Raven” to alleviate some of the in-game pressure, as it is “Hulk” that is competing.

Raven began wearing masks during the COVID pandemic, but continued wearing one so they could focus and not talk to their fellow competitors.

When will Raven Saunders play at the Olympics?

Raven qualified for the Olympic shotput, with a throw that reached 18.62m.

Their qualifying throw was over a metre behind Canada’s Sarah Mitton, who threw the shotput 19.77m, but they are still hopeful that they can win a medal.

Raven will play in the Olympic shotput final on August 9, 2024.