Olympic Shot Putter & Track & Field Champion; Silver Medalist at Tokyo Games; Mental Health Advocate
Raven Saunders Biography
Raven Saunders, also known as Hulk, is recognized as one of the leading shot putters in American track and field. A three-time Olympian, Saunders qualified for the Rio Olympics, finishing fifth, and later earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Games. Saunders secured silver in the shot put with a throw of 19.79 meters. Their personal best of 19.96 meters highlights their strength and technical skill in the sport.
Saunders began setting records early in their career. In high school, Saunders broke the national high school indoor shot put record with a throw of 17.27 meters and the national high school outdoor record with a throw of 17.29 meters. Saunders was named the Gatorade National Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year before competing at the collegiate level. Saunders won four NCAA titles—two at Ole Miss and two during their freshman season at Southern Illinois. Saunders left Ole Miss with collegiate bests of 19.56 meters indoors and 19.33 meters outdoors, both NCAA records, and holds six of the top 10 collegiate marks in history.
In addition to athletic accomplishments, Saunders is known for advocacy in social change and mental health awareness. At the Tokyo Olympics, Saunders raised their hands in an X on the podium, describing the gesture as representing the intersection of all oppressed people. Saunders became the first athlete to challenge the Olympic podium protest ban after winning silver. Their competition style includes wearing masks, such as a Hulk mask at the Tokyo Olympics, and displaying green and purple hair in tribute to the Marvel character.
Saunders has openly discussed personal experiences with mental health, including depression and suicidal ideation following the Rio Olympics. Their story is featured in the documentary short "Out of the Dark," which explores the challenges of Olympic competition, childhood trauma, and the pressures of public life. After seeking care for depression, Saunders has become an advocate for mental health dialogue among athletes. Saunders has also worked with the Well Beings initiative to highlight mental health challenges faced by young, Black, and queer Olympians.
Saunders continues to use their platform to raise awareness about mental health and LGBTQ issues. Saunders has spoken about the significance of visibility, noting that young African Americans in the LGBTQ community have reached out to share the impact of Saunders' advocacy. On and off the field, Saunders is recognized for contributions to track and field, mental health advocacy, and LGBTQ visibility.
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How do I book Raven Saunders to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Raven Saunders for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Raven Saunders, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Raven Saunders or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Raven Saunders
Speaking fees for Raven Saunders, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Raven Saunders are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Raven Saunders, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Raven Saunders speak about?
Raven Saunders is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Anti-Racism, Athlete, Black Heritage, Civil Rights, DEI, Diversity & Inclusion, Empowerment, LGBTQ, Mental Health, Olympic Athlete, Personal Growth, Social Activism, Sports -
Where does Raven Saunders travel from?
Raven Saunders generally travels from Charleston, SC, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
Who is Raven Saunders’s agent?
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Raven Saunders is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Raven Saunders for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Raven Saunders generally travels from Charleston, SC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Renee Montgomery, Maya Moore, Greg Louganis, Josh Dixon and Chaunté Lowe. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Raven Saunders for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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