Olympic shot putter Raven Saunders found herself at the center of a gender identity controversy during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Saunders, who identifies as non-binary, was misgendered by BBC commentator Steve Backley during a live broadcast. Backley initially referred to Saunders as female, but his co-commentator Jazmin Sawyers quickly corrected him, emphasizing that Saunders is non-binary.
Saunders’ appearance at the event was striking, featuring a neon green and purple hairstyle, a mask, gold grills, and long fingernails adorned with Team USA colors spelling out “HULK.” Despite these eye-catching details, it was the misgendering incident that sparked significant attention on social media. Some viewers were confused and critical, questioning why Saunders was competing in the women’s event if they did not identify as female. Others praised Sawyers for promptly correcting Backley and respecting Saunders’ pronouns.
Saunders, a Tokyo 2020 silver medalist, responded to the situation with confidence, stating, “I’m in full form. I had to remind the people, I am who I am.” Saunders explained their distinctive look as a way to stand out and inspire other athletes to express their individuality. Despite the initial misstep, Saunders advanced to the final with a throw of 18.62 meters.
The incident highlights ongoing debates around gender identity in sports, with Saunders’ participation drawing both support and criticism. As the conversation continues, it underscores the importance of respecting athletes’ identities and promoting inclusivity in competitive sports.
