Tokyo, Japan - An investigation into US shot putter Raven Saunders' gesture on the medal podium at the Tokyo Games has been "fully suspended" due to the death of her mother, the International Olympic Committee said Wednesday.

The wave of athlete protests across sport in recent years has seen the IOC ease Rule 50, which prohibits political statements at the Games, but podium protests remain banned.

Raven crossed her wrists in receiving her silver medal in a show of support for oppressed people.

"Hoping off social media for a while to take care of my mental and my family," Saunders said on Twitter.

"My mama was a great woman and will forever live through me. My number one guardian angel. I will always and forever love you."

A separate investigation into Chinese cyclists Bao Shanju and Zhong Tianshi remains active after they wore pins showing former communist leader Mao Zedong as they collected gold medals at the velodrome.

IOC spokesperson Mark Adams reported the Chinese Olympic Committee had said there will not be a repeat of the incident.

Commonly known as Chairman Mao, the revolutionary was a key founder of the Chinese Communist Party which he led from 1949 until his death in 1976.

Earlier, the U.S. Olympic Committee also extended its condolences to the athlete. "Her mother leaves an incredible legacy in her daughter, of whom we are so proud and grateful to call her our teammate," the USOPC shared.