- Australian breakdancer Raygun opens up about Olympic criticism
- Gunn, 36, competed in the breaking event at the Paris Games, which marked the sport’s debut in the Olympics
- Gunn lost all three of her round-robin battles at the Olympics by a combined score of 54-0
- Her performance led to widespread mocking and bullying and many questioned how she made it to the Olympics
- Gunn, who is also a university lecturer, expressed her shock in an Instagram video
Australian breakdancer Raygun opens up about Olympic criticism
Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, known as B-girl Raygun, has described the backlash she faced following her Olympic performance as “devastating.” Gunn, 36, competed in the breaking event at the Paris Games, which marked the sport’s debut in the Olympics. However, her participation sparked a social media storm, leading to a petition that garnered over 54,000 signatures before it was taken down.
The petition called for Gunn and Australia’s Olympic chef de mission, Anna Meares, to apologise for “undermining the efforts of genuine athletes.” In response, Australian Olympic Committee chief Matt Carroll condemned the petition as “vexatious, misleading, and bullying,” stating it stirred up public hatred without any factual basis.
Gunn, who is also a university lecturer, expressed her shock in an Instagram video, saying she didn’t anticipate the level of hate her appearance would generate. Despite her efforts, Gunn lost all three of her round-robin battles at the Olympics by a combined score of 54-0.
After thanking her supporters, Gunn said: “I really appreciated the positivity and I’m glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives – that’s what I hoped.
“Well, I went out there and I had fun – I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and I gave my all. Truly.
“And I’m honoured to have been a part of the Australian Olympic team; to be a part of breaking’s Olympic debut.”