Raven Saunders

Raven Saunders, a distinguished track and field athlete hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, has left an indelible mark on the sporting world. Saunders' athletic prowess became evident early, earning them the title of Gatorade High School Track and Field Athlete of the Year in 2014. Saunders' specialties lie in the shot put and discus throw events, with a notable personal record of 19.96 m (65 ft 5+3/4 in) for the shot put. They represented the United States at the 2016 Summer Olympics and later secured a silver medal in shot put at the 2020 Summer Olympics with an impressive distance of 19.79 m (64 ft 11 in). They are set to compete again at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Over the course of their career, Saunders has accumulated numerous accolades, including two NCAA collegiate shot put titles at Southern Illinois and two NCAA shot put titles for the University of Mississippi. They have also won the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships and NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships. Saunders' achievements extend beyond US borders, with a silver medal at the World Junior Championships in 2014 and a championship record at the Pan American Junior Championships in 2015.

Off the field, Saunders is open about their identity as a lesbian and uses the pronouns they/them. They've gained attention for their uncompromising activism, advocating for racial justice, mental health, and animal rights for bovines, particularly bulls. Their openness about struggles with depression and their candid discussions on mental health, racism, and queerness have added depth to their public persona.