Saunders is a black woman who openly shows her homosexuality. In this competition, she dyed her hair green and purple and put on a delicate superhero theme mask. She wants to be a hero of the Olympic Games through this dress. She said before that she has contact with the Hulk, because the Hulk is also trying to control its own power.
In an interview with NBC News after the game, Sanders said that the reason why she held her arms above her head and showed an "X" symbol to the outside world was to show that this was "the crossroads where all the oppressed meet". Saunders also said, "For me, it means being what I always wanted to be, being myself, and not apologizing for it ... People told me not to get tattoos and piercings, but now look at me, I am here."
Saunders is not the first American athlete to express his protest or opinion through the Olympic Games. In previous Olympic Games, many current and former American team members used the Olympic platform to express their concerns about racial inequality and social justice in the United States, including 1968 tommy smith and john carlos, who were famous at the Mexico City Olympic Games.
Saunders won the silver medal in the shot put event of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. According to CNN, Sanders told the media after the award ceremony that she wanted to be a "role model" for openly gay blacks and tell people to be themselves. Saunders said, "For me, do what I always want to do, be myself, don't apologize for it, and tell the younger generation that no matter what they say, no matter how many boxes they want to put you in, you can be yourself."
Some analysts said that winning medals was a major turning point for Sanders. Shot putters made their debut in Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in 20 16. She had previously described that she had considered ending her life because of mental health problems. Some people may think that after such hardships, she will be allowed to celebrate her victory in the way she thinks fit. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that it was investigating Saunders' behavior on the podium, because it may have violated the ban on protesting on the podium.
However, the International Olympic Committee prohibits athletes from making political gestures or protests on the Olympic podium, but allows athletes to "express their views" at the press conference. Mark adams, spokesman of the International Olympic Committee, said in an interview with CNN that they were studying Saunders' posture on the podium and had contacted the Olympic and Paralympic Committee of the United States. "We are investigating this matter and will consider the next step." At present, the possible punishment for violating such laws has not been announced, and mark adams did not further explain whether Saunders would be potentially affected.
Mark adams said, "We try to respect the wishes of all athletes, and we give them more opportunities to express themselves. Press conferences, social media, freedom of speech in mixed areas. Before the sport started to cause protests, we had created various possibilities, but one thing we noticed was that we surveyed 3,500 athletes, and all the respondents wanted to protect the venue (instead of being a place to express their views outside the competition), as long as everyone could respect the views of all athletes. "
It is reported that last month, the International Olympic Committee relaxed Rule 50, which prohibits athletes from protesting. They can make gestures on the court, but only if they don't disturb or respect their opponents. In response to this matter, the US Olympic Committee is negotiating with the International Olympic Committee and the IAAF. Lord Coe, president of the IAAF, has said that if the decision is in the hands of the IAAF, he does not expect to be sanctioned.