Olympics commentator corrected after misgendering U.S. shot putter live on air

An Olympic commentator used the wrong pronouns for Team USA's shot put star Raven Saunders during a live broadcast . Three years after clinching silver in Tokyo, the 28-year-old athlete carried their form into the women's final on Thursday with an 18.62-metre throw, securing fourth place in Group B.

Saunders, known for the distinctive mask covering their face, stood out in the competition at the Stade de France.

Steve Backley, who won Olympic javelin silver himself, mistakenly referred to Saunders as 'her' when commenting live, which prompted his BBC co-host Jazmin Sawyers to intervene and correctly identify Saunders' non-binary status and preferred pronouns.

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During coverage, Backley remarked: "The colourful character of Raven Saunders back. Good to see her back, sort of." He made a clumsy comment about the mask by saying: "Sort of see her, I mean."

Sawyers quickly corrected him, stating: "Well we can't see them very well. Raven Saunders actually non-binary and wearing the mask there, we're quite used to seeing them with interesting attire."

Saunders has spoken up about mental health in the past and is known for the 'Incredible Hulk' persona they have adopted. In explaining the mask choice in 2021, they said: "I learned how to compartmentalize."

Drawing a parallel with a superhero alter ego, Saunders added: "The same way that Bruce Banner learned to control the Hulk, learned how to let the Hulk come out during the right moments. That way it also gave him a sign of mental peace."

Saunders' participation in Paris marks a swift return to competition after an 11-month suspension that ended in February this year. The former NCAA champion was penalized by USADA for missing three doping tests due to 'whereabouts failures'.

A statement on behalf of Saunders read: "Saunders has accepted full responsibility for their failure to update their whereabouts according to the prescribed procedure on multiple occasions. ""The time during their suspension will be used to focus on their mental health. They will also intensify their training to prepare for the Paris Olympics."