Olympic shot putter and Charleston native Raven Saunders captured the world’s attention from the medal podium this year in Tokyo.

The Burke High School graduate had just won the silver medal in her second Olympics at age 25. 

From the podium, Saunders made a gesture of support that resonated for people in her hometown of Charleston and around the globe. 

This week, we’re taking a look at Raven’s athletic career, which started right here in Charleston, her journey to becoming an Olympian and what she’s had to overcome.

Saunders' was one of the voices that put conversations about athletes' mental health center stage at this year’s Olympics, and she’s been open about her own struggles.

Sports reporter Jeff Hartsell joined us, and you’ll also hear from Saunders herself about her Olympic experience, the tragic loss of her mother shortly after she stood on that medal podium and her plans for the future, as an Olympian and as a mental health advocate. 

Read more: 

• Raven Saunders looks ahead: Mental health, magazine covers and the Paris Olympics
• Charleston Olympian Raven Saunders returns home, with her mother and a medal
• Raven Saunders: ‘It was my duty’ to protest on Olympic medal podium
• Raven Saunders found her voice, transformed her body and aims for Olympic gold

Music used in today's episode includes "Oh, Cello" by Bright Seed.