Verbal slip-up sparks major controversy at Paris Games!
The Paris Olympics are no stranger to drama, but Thursday’s shot put competition brought an entirely new controversy into the spotlight.
Raven Saunders sparks media storm after qualifying for final.
Raven Saunders, the non-binary American shot putter, qualified for the final, but not without setting off a media storm that’s still brewing.
Back competing after an 18-month ban for missing three doping tests, Saunders has always been a standout, but this time it wasn’t just their athleticism grabbing attention.
Saunders steals the show in Paris.
Striding into the stadium like something out of a comic book, Saunders sported a neon green and purple hairstyle, a bedazzled mask, gold grills, and manicured nails spelling out “HULK” in Team USA colors.
Saunders’ Hulk persona wasn’t just an aesthetic choice. They’ve long channeled the character’s raw power and resilience, particularly after an intense journey leading to these Games.
Once a Tokyo silver medalist, Saunders became a symbol for the marginalized when they crossed their wrists in an ‘X’ at the Tokyo medal ceremony, representing “the intersection of where all people who are oppressed meet.”
This bold move earned them global recognition and further solidified their status as a defiant and courageous athlete who isn’t afraid to stand up for what they believe in.
Saunders secures spot in finals amidst controversy.
The 26-year-old’s second throw of 17.93 meters and third throw of 18.62 meters ensured their spot in the final, where the eyes of the world will once again be on them.
After the competition, Saunders addressed their outfit choice and the persona they’ve built: “I’m in full form. I had to remind the people, I am who I am.”
They added, “It is one way to make me stand out and encourage other women. A lot of younger athletes are coming through, and they really push their own styles.”
Gender identity debate intensifies at Paris Games.
The shot put competition became an instant flashpoint in the ongoing debate over gender identity in sports, a debate that has already raged throughout the Paris Games.
Earlier in the week, women’s boxing took center stage when athletes Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting faced scrutiny over claims they possess male XY chromosomes.
Both boxers are now vying for gold medals, but their presence in the women’s events has sparked a heated discussion about what defines a female athlete in today’s competitive world.
From Charleston to Olympic controversy.
Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, Saunders has always been larger than life, both in stature and personality.
A multi-sport athlete in high school, they first gained attention for their incredible power and unique flair. But it wasn’t until college that Saunders truly came into their own.
Attending the University of Mississippi, Saunders broke records left and right, but it was their unapologetic authenticity that made them a fan favorite.
Non-binary identity shapes Saunders’ advocacy and athleticism.
Embracing their identity as non-binary, Saunders used their platform to advocate for mental health awareness, particularly within the Black and LGBTQ+ communities.
The shot putter’s return to competition after their suspension wasn’t just about redemption; it was about making a statement. And make a statement they did.
Thursday’s event wasn’t just a display of athletic prowess—it was a full-on spectacle. Yet, the spectacle didn’t end with the mask or the grills. It carried over into the commentating booth.
BBC commentator sparks outrage.
On Thursday, as Saunders prepared to hurl the shot, BBC commentator Steve Backley introduced the event with a significant slip-up, referring to Saunders as “her.”
Quickly realizing the mistake, Backley tried to correct himself, but not before co-commentator Jazmin Sawyers stepped in with a firm, “Raven Saunders is actually non-binary.”
Social media erupts over misgendering incident.
The incident, which aired live, immediately sparked social media outrage. One user on X (formerly Twitter) posted: “More gender madness at the Olympics in the women’s shot put.”
The viewer continued: “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?”
Mixed reactions from fans highlight ongoing debate.
While some fans expressed confusion or outright disapproval of Saunders competing in the women’s event, others celebrated their presence as a step forward for inclusivity in sports.
“I’d never heard of Raven Saunders until about 10 minutes ago, but now I absolutely adore them,” one fan tweeted. “The throwing events need more bad a***s!”
Still, the debate over gender identity in athletics isn’t going away anytime soon, and Saunders’ participation in the Games has only added fuel to the fire.
Saunders’ self-expression seen as declaration of identity.
Saunders’ self-expression isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a declaration of self-worth, resilience, and the right to compete on their own terms.
But not everyone is on board. Critics have been vocal, with one social media user questioning, “What’s with the mask thing? If they don’t identify as a woman, they should not be allowed in the women’s competitions.”
In contrast, some viewers praised Sawyers for immediately correcting Backley. “Love to see field commentator correcting her co-commentator about Raven Saunders’ pronouns,” one person noted.
While Backley’s comments were labeled as “unintentional” by a BBC source, the incident has shone a spotlight on the importance of respecting athletes’ identities, especially on such a global stage.
The Paris Games have already been riddled with controversy, but Saunders’ story is proving to be one of the most talked-about narratives.
As the final looms, the world waits to see how Saunders will perform and whether their story will end with another medal—or another round of heated debates.