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Raven SaundersAmerican track and field athlete
Date of Birth: 15.05.1996
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Raven Saunders: American Shot Putter and Olympic Medalist
- Collegiate Career at Ole Miss
- International Debut
- 2016 Rio Olympics
- 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the "X" Gesture
- Personal Life and Advocacy
Raven Saunders: American Shot Putter and Olympic Medalist
Early Life and SchoolRaven Saunders, born on May 15, 1996, in Charleston, South Carolina, discovered her passion for track and field at Burke High School. She broke the national high school record for shot put in 2014, earning her Gatorade Track & Field Athlete of the Year nomination.
Collegiate Career at Ole Miss
Raven excelled at the University of Mississippi for the Ole Miss Rebels. She shattered American junior records and the Missouri Valley Conference record, winning numerous titles in shot put competitions. Her achievements included victories at the 2015 Missouri Valley Conference Indoor and Outdoor Championships, the 2015 NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships, and the 2016 Southeastern Conference Outdoor Championships.
International Debut
Raven made her international debut at the 2014 World Junior Championships in Eugene, Oregon, winning a silver medal. She also represented the United States at the 2015 Pan American Junior Championships, securing the gold medal with a new championship record throw.
2016 Rio Olympics
In 2016, Raven competed at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Although she did not medal, her determination and spirit left an impact on the Olympic stage.
2021 Tokyo Olympics and the "X" Gesture
At the 2021 US Olympic Track and Field Trials, Raven placed second in the shot put with a throw of 19.96m. She went on to win silver at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, throwing 19.79m.
During the medal ceremony, Raven raised her hands and crossed them in the shape of an "X" on the podium. She stated that the gesture symbolized her support for oppressed communities. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) initiated an inquiry into whether this action violated its ban on demonstrations or political propaganda. However, the investigation was suspended after learning of the sudden death of Raven's mother.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Raven is an outspoken lesbian who has openly shared her struggles with depression. She is an advocate for racial justice and mental health awareness, using her platform to speak out on important issues.
