Non-binary shot-putter Raven Saunders stuns with latest look

American shot-putter Raven Saunders, who is non-binary, has sparked a huge reaction over their latest look at the Olympics.

Raven Saunders’ head-turning appearance at the Paris Olympics. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Olympic shot putter Raven Saunders has shocked viewers after their latest bizarre appearance in the athletics event in Paris.

Saunders is one of the more colourful competitors at this year’s Olympic Games.

The 28-year-old American, who is non-binary and who uses they/them pronouns, regularly covers their face in a variety of bizarre masks for competition.

Saunders also competes with long, sharpened, colourful fake nails and a variety of dyed hair colours.

The shot put silver medallist from the Tokyo Olympics, Saunders goes by the nickname of “Hulk”.

Raven Saunders’ head-turning appearance at the Paris Olympics. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

They were also embroiled in controversy in March 2023 after accepting an 18-month suspension, having missed three required doping tests in one 12-month period, returning to competition in February this year.

The American turned out for the shot put qualification round on Thursday with a black mask covering almost their entire head, finished off with tinted sunglasses and dyed green hair.

A commentator then had to be corrected after introducing Saunders during the competition.

“The colourful character of Raven Saunders, good to see her back, sort of,” the male commentator said in reference to their disguised appearance.

“It’s hard to see her I mean.”

Saunders poses at the US Olympic trials in June. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images via AFP)

Another of Saunders’ distinctive masks. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images via AFP)

“We can’t see them very well,” a co-commentator replied. “Raven Saunders is actually non-binary and wearing the mask there, we’re quite used to seeing them with.”

Saunders, who has gold teeth, has previously worn masks with a mouth sewn shut and a green Incredible Hulk face.

James Esses, who is listed as a social commentator and writer in his social media bio, reacted to a video of the commentary to his 123,000 followers on X.

“More gender madness at the Olympics in the women’s shot put,” Esses wrote. “The host introduces Raven Saunders, saying ‘it’s good to see her back’.

“He is promptly corrected by his co-host, saying “they are actually non-binary”.

“If they’re not a woman, why are they in the women’s competition?”

That comment naturally ignited a wide range of replies.

Saunders' nails at the 2024 US Olympic trials. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

An unmasked Saunders celebrating silver at the Tokyo Olympics. (Photo by Li Ming/Xinhua via Getty Images)

One wrote: “What the hell is going on.”

Another queried: “Why are they covering there face when no other athlete is?”

Another stated: “Just wear a mask, and you can be anyone you want to be, it seems.”

Others commenting were keen to clarify non-binary status at the Games.

“Because being non-binary doesn’t change your biological sex. (The commentator) was respecting Saunders by calling them by the pronoun they wish to be known as. Doesn’t make a difference to their actual sex,” was one comment.

“Non-binary just means they don’t choose to identify as a man or woman. They are still a biological female,” wrote a second.

In terms of Saunders’ performance, a shot of 18.62 metres on the American’s final attempt was enough to reach the 12-strong final.

Canadian Sarah Mitton topped qualifying with a shot of 19.77m, while there was a shock as America’s two-time reigning world champion Chase Jackson (17.6m) failed to reach the final.