Raven Saunders handed 30-month ban
U.S. shot put star suspended until 2027 for repeated whereabouts failures
Olympic shot put silver medallist Raven Saunders has accepted a 30-month suspension for repeated whereabouts failures, as confirmed by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The 29-year-old athlete, who earned silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, had previously been suspended for 18 months in 2023 for similar violations.
This new suspension is a consequence of multiple failures to accurately report her location for out-of-competition drug testing, which USADA classified as serious enough to warrant a more severe penalty. The 30-month period of ineligibility is retroactive, beginning on December 26, 2024, and reflects both the gravity of the violations and Saunders's history of noncompliance.
Saunders initially gained recognition for her performance at the Tokyo Olympics but has faced significant challenges in her career. Her earlier suspension, which lasted from August 2022 to February 2024, was triggered by three missed tests within a 12-month period, violating USADA and World Athletics protocols. Despite this setback, she made a comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she competed in her signature bold style, including a ski mask and vibrant hair, but finished 11th in the shot put final.
The terms of her new suspension dictate that Saunders will be ineligible to compete until June 26, 2027. Furthermore, all results from December 26, 2024, onward will be classified as ineligible, necessitating the forfeiture of any medals, points, and accolades she earned during that period. Her last competitive appearance before the suspension was at a Diamond League meet in Lausanne in August 2024, shortly after her Olympic performance.
USADA's decision underscores the agency's commitment to maintaining the integrity of sports and ensuring compliance with anti-doping regulations. The increased sanction reflects the seriousness of repeated violations and serves as a warning to other athletes regarding the importance of adhering to testing protocols.
