Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, perhaps better known as Raygun, has broken her silence following the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Raygun’s breakdancing routine spread quickly around the world after the 36-year-old scored zero points across the three rounds she competed in. Footage of her efforts made her a viral star for all the wrong reasons, and an online petition has even been launched in an attempt to force Gunn to apologize.
The dancer herself has until now remained quiet in the wake of arguably the most bizarre Olympic offering in recent memory. Taking to Instagram, however, Raygun addressed the storm relating to her performance, revealing she had been left “devastated by the hate”.
In the two and a half minute clip she put out on social media, Gunn thanked those people who had supported her during the Paris Games, but also spoke candidly on the abuse she’s received on the internet.
The breakdancer said she didn’t realize that the “joy she brought” to people’s lives would also open the door to people making fun of her routine.
As per ESPN, a petition criticizing Gunn and the AOC has been signed by over 40,000 people. The petition claims Gunn “manipulated” the Olympic qualification process.
“I really appreciate the positivity and I’m glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives, that’s what I hoped,” Raygun said in her Instagram video.
“I didn’t realise that would also open the door to so much hate, which has frankly been pretty devastating. But I went out there and had fun.”
In answer to questions pertaining to her commitment, Raygun insisted she had worked hard to get herself prepared for the Olympics.
“I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and I gave it my all, truly. And I am honoured to have been part of the Australian team and part of Australia’s breaking debut. What the other athletes have achieved is just phenomenal.”
The 36-year-old also addressed the batches of misinformation that have spread online following her unfortunate showing in Paris.
One such rumor was that the dancer had secured her place on the Australian Olympic team because her husband was the national selector and a judge at a qualifying event. This has since been proven to be completely false.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) moved to condemn the aforementioned online petition, with boss Matt Carroll writing to the petition’s website to demand its immediate withdrawal.
What did you make of Rachael Gunn’s breakdancing routine? Let us know thoughts in the comments box.
