(Washington) American Raven Saunders, silver medalist in the shot put at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, has been suspended for 18 months for failing to report for doping tests, the United States Anti-Doping Agency announced on Wednesday. (USADA).

Saunders, 26, committed three “whereabouts violations” in the span of 12 months. His sanction, which should end in February 2024, gives him a chance to participate in the Paris Games in 2024.

An athlete with an exuberant look – she wore a Joker mask during the Tokyo Olympics – Saunders is as well known for her sports performances as for her commitments, particularly in the defense of the rights of the LGBT community and in the face of health problems. mental.

Her offenses were committed while she was part of a USADA testing group and required to notify authorities of her whereabouts in order to be located for out-of-competition random testing.

Saunders missed tests on January 8, May 26 and August 15 of last year. His 18-month suspension began with the third offense and all results from that date were voided.