US shot-putter Raven Saunders makes the Tokyo Olympics' first podium demonstration

US shot-putter Raven Saunders makes the Tokyo Olympics' first podium demonstration

By Semi Turaga
Monday 02/08/2021
[image: BBC]

US shot-putter Raven Saunders has made the Tokyo Olympics' first podium demonstration, after winning her event's silver medal.

BBC News reports 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".

China's Gong Lijiao won gold, and New Zealand's Valerie Adams the bronze, her fourth medal at successive games.

The International Olympic Committee 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.

BBC News reports it's unclear what reprimand Saunders might face, as the IOC hasn't outlined potential penalties.

[Source:  BBC]

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