Raven Saunders established themselves as one of the best shot putters in the world during the 2021 Olympics. They tossed a shot put 19.69 meters to earn a silver medal and finish behind only China's Gong Lijiao (20.58 meters).
Saunders is looking to repeat their success at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. They seem likely to do that while donning one of their signature accessories.
Saunders has often worn as Hulk facemask during their competition appearances. That has earned them the nickname "Hulk," and its one that is fitting for the 28-year-old Ole Miss product.
Here's what to know about Saunders' penchant for wearing masks and why the Hulk edition of their faceguard has become a staple in their wardrobe.
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Why does Raven Saunders wear a Hulk mask?
Saunders wears a mask during competition — and often, a Hulk mask — for a few different reasons, but it began as a ritual ahead of the 2021 Olympics.
Athletes were required to wear masks during many Olympic qualifying events and at the Olympics in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, Saunders grew used to wearing the mask during competition.
Saunders also found it served as a deterrent from getting caught up in pre-match chit-chat. They prefer to motivate themselves before competition, as they told Yahoo Sports.
"I like to be my biggest supporter — I really can’t repeat [what I say] because y’all are going to have to bleep out most of the things I say anyway," Saunders said. "But pretty much to sum it up I’m telling myself, 'You got it, you got it, you’re a champion, you have to push, you gotta push, nobody is going to give it to you, you have to work, you have to grind, you gotta get it.' Things like that, just a lot of positive affirmations to be able to give myself the power and be able to get done what I need to get done."
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But why choose a Hulk mask specifically? Saunders earned the "Hulk" nickname thanks, in part, to their powerful 5-5 frame.
They also relate to Bruce Banner's difficulty controlling his alter ego and knowing when to let it all out, as they detailed.
"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 explained to Yahoo. "But through my journey, especially dealing with mental health and things like that, I learned how to compartmentalize, 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 has been open about their struggles with mental health and the obstacles they have overcome to reach the Olympics.
"Everything that I’ve been through mental health-wise," Saunders said, "injuries, everything like that, financial, really being able to invest everything that I have mentally and physically. And be able to walk away with a medal and inspire so many people in the LGBTQ community, so many people who have been dealing with mental health issues, so many of the African-American community, so many people who are Black all around the world, I really hope that I can inspire and motivate."
Saunders figures to do that while at the Olympics. And if they can accomplish that, expect it to be while wearing one of their signature Hulk masks.
