Make no mistake: Raven Saunders isn’t one to hide behind a mask.
Because while they arrived at the 2024 Olympics shot put qualification in a full face covering and sunglasses, the U.S. athlete was proudly showing their true self.
“I’m in full form,” Saunders said during the Aug. 8 event, per The Guardian. “I had to remind the people, I am who I am.”
The 28-year-old—who advanced to the final with an 18.62-meter throw—has worn masks to several competitions, including the Hulk one they donned at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics held in 2021 amid the coronavirus pandemic.
During their event in Paris, Saunders again gave a nod to the Marvel hero by spelling out “Hulk” on their red, white and blue-painted fingernails and rocking green and purple hair. And the Olympian, who goes by Raven Hulk Saunders on Instagram, has expressed what Bruce Banner’s alter ego means to them.
“The Hulk is really a way for me to compartmentalize, talk about mental health,” they told Today during the Tokyo Games. “I talk about mental health awareness a lot, especially with my personal struggles. So for me, the mask is a way for me to channel my inner Hulk and Raven—still have fun, twerk a little bit, celebrate, dance, a little somethin’ somethin’. The Hulk? That’s beast mode right there.”
