Raven Saunders: What the Olympian's X protest means to her
Raven Saunders: What the Olympian's X protest means to her
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US shot-putter Raven Saunders has made the Tokyo Olympics' first podium demonstration, after winning her event's silver medal. As the medallists posed for photos, Saunders raised her arms and crossed them into an X shape. She said it represented "the intersection of where all people who are oppressed meet." The 25-year-old, who is black, gay, and has spoken frankly about her struggles with depression, said she wanted "to be me, to not apologise".

After competing, she said she aimed to give light to "people all around the world who are fighting and don't have the platform to speak up for themselves". "I'm part of a lot of communities," added Saunders, who twerked in celebration after her final shot put throw. China's Gong Lijiao won gold, and New Zealand's Valerie Adams the bronze, her fourth medal at successive games.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) relaxed a ban on protests ahead of the Tokyo Games, allowing athletes to "express their views" during press conferences - but political demonstrations are still banned on the medal stand. It's unclear what reprimand Saunders might face, as the IOC hasn't outlined potential penalties, although it is investigating the protest. Athletes' mental health has been the story of this year's Games, after Team USA's gymnastics superstar Simone Biles withdrew from several disciplines to prioritise her welfare.

 

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