Olympics shot put silver medalist Raven Saunders accepted a 30-month suspension from USADA

Olympic silver medalist in shot put Raven Saunders has accepted a 30-month suspension for failing to file her whereabouts information, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) said.

The 29-year-old athlete, who won silver at Tokyo 2021, previously received an 18-month suspension for failing to file her whereabouts information in 2023.

“As this is Raven Saunders’ second rule violation, she is subject to a more serious sanction based on her degree of culpability and the totality of the circumstances”, said the US agency in a statement. “USADA determined that an extended 30-month period of Ineligibility was appropriate based on the circumstances of this case. Saunders’ 30-month period of Ineligibility began on December 26, 2024”, adds the statement.

Raven Saunders last competed in a Diamond League competition in Lausanne in August last year, days after finishing 11th out of 12 athletes in the women’s shot put final at the Paris 2024 Olympics.