Raven Saunders’ X podium protest: What it means and why the IOC is investigating

“For me, just being who I always aspired to be, to be able to be me and not apologize for it (and) show the younger generation that no matter what they tell you, no matter how many boxes they try to fit you in, you can be you,” she told the media.

“People tell me not to do tattoos and piercings, but now look at me, I’m popping.”

“We’re in contact with US Olympic and Paralympic Committee and with World Athletics,” said IOC spokesman Mark Adams on Monday. “I don’t want to say what those next steps would be until we fully understand what is going on. We don’t want to pre-empt anything.”

“We try to respect the views of all the athletes; we’ve given them more opportunity to express themselves. Freedom of expression in press conferences, social media, mixed zone. We’ve created possibilities before the sport begins to make protests.

“But one thing we have noted is we did a survey with 3,500 athletes (and) all those who answered wanted to protect the field of play. It would be good if everyone could respect the views of athletes.”

‘Keep fighting, keep pushing, keep finding value in yourself’

However, she has previously faced a tough personal battle.

Now, she wants to encourage others who are struggling with their mental health to get the support they need.

“My message is to keep fighting, keep pushing, keep finding value in yourself, in everything you do,” she said after winning her silver medal.

“It means a lot to be able to walk away with a silver medal because I do represent so many people. I know there are so many people that have been looking up to me, so many people that have messaged me, so many people that have been praying for me.

“I’m happy I get to bring this back for them, not just myself.”

Mental health

The topic of athletes’ mental health has been a topic of hot discussion during the Tokyo Games after US gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from numerous competitions citing her mental health.

Saunders’ nickname — ‘Hulk’ after the Marvel superhero — originated because of the similarities between her mental health journey and the journey of the big, green superhero.

“When I initially became the Hulk, I didn’t know how to differentiate the Hulk from Raven. It was kind of hard to battle between the two, but as life went on, I was forced to deal with some things and learn how to compartmentalize, to control the Hulk and use the Hulk in the right way.

“I save it for competitions so that Raven can have fun, reach out to people, seek therapy, do yoga, meditate — all those things to create a strong mind. Without a strong mind, you can’t have a strong body.”