Mere days after winning a silver medal in Tokyo, Olympian Raven Saunders is now grieving the loss of her mother.
Saunders posted a message on Twitter Tuesday, saying that she would be hopping off of social media “to take care of my mental and my family.”
“My mama was a great woman who will forever live through me,” she continued.
Hoping off social media for a while to take care of my mental and my family. My mama was a great woman and will forever live through me. My number one guardian angel 🙏🏾 I will always and forever love you. https://t.co/XWOjE56EjI
— Raven HULK Saunders (@GiveMe1Shot) August 3, 2021
In the medal ceremony on Sunday, the 25-year-old shot putter lifted her arms into an “X” position, a symbol she says represents “the intersection of where all people who are oppressed meet.” The IOC is now looking into the protest.
Additionally, Saunders has been open about her mental health struggles leading into the Olympics, using her platform to encourage others.
In a statement on Twitter, the USATF extended “our most sincere condolences.”
The USOPC & USATF would like to offer Raven our most sincere condolences. Her mother leaves behind an incredible legacy in her daughter for who we are so proud and grateful to call our teammate. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Saunders family during this difficult time.
— USATF (@usatf) August 3, 2021
