The American shot putter, who took silver at Tokyo 2020 was banned by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for failing to follow an administrative policy regarding updates to her whereabouts.

Saunders whereabouts failures took place on January 8, May 26 and August 15 2022, and as part of USADA’s registered testing pool is subject to whereabouts requirements as part of out-of-competition testing.

Saunders’ period of ineligibility started on August 15 2022, and is due to run until February 2024.

"As a veteran, I definitely should’ve done better and I take full responsibility for my actions," Saunders said in a statement.

"I didn’t fail a test for any substance and was tested again after each of my missed tests.

"I’ve always been an advocate of clean sports. I’ll be back to claim the throne on February 15 2024!"

Saunders, nicknamed Hulk, made headlines when she raised her arms and formed an "x" after collecting her silver medal at Tokyo 2020, a gesture designed to represent "the intersection of where all people who are oppressed meet."

Following her success at the Olympics, Saunders’ mother died after suffering a health incident while attending an Olympic watch party in Orlando, Florida.

Saunders also underwent major hip surgery in the latter part of 2021.

Saunders will be eligible to return to competition in February 2024, and will be hopeful of going one better at the Paris 2024 Olympics, due to begin on July 26.