Editor's note: Raven Saunders uses they/them pronouns. This article has been updated throughout.
When Raven Saunders stepped into the circle for their first attempt of women’s shot put qualifying, they knew their throw would be good enough to get them to the Olympic Trials final. Before throwing, Saunders moved their mask down, flexed their grill directly into the camera, then confidently strutted into place.
Their only throw of the session ended up earning them a first-place finish and a new season best with 19.16 meters. Their secret to first: dying their hair green and sporting a Joker mask.
This eye-catching get-up is nothing new for the 2016 Rio Olympian and NCAA outdoor champion. Appropriately nicknamed “The Hulk,” Saunders is known for their love of the iconic Marvel character and their ability to embody the aggression and power of his personality into their own competitions.
The switch-up to a Joker mask and green hair inched them closer to their second Olympic appearance. Viewers can expect to see Saunders channeling their inner Hulk and staying hungry for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team in tonight’s final (11pm ET, live on NBCOlympics.com). A top-three finish will qualify them for Tokyo.