Australian breaker Rachael Gunn responds to harsh criticism after her Paris Olympics performance, addressing misconceptions about breaking and her efforts as the top female breaker in Australia.
Bollywood Fever: Australian breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn has spoken out against the criticism she faced following her performance at the Paris Olympics, where breakdancing made its debut last month.
Gunn became an unexpected sensation after losing all three of her round-robin battles with a combined score of 54-0, sparking a wave of online and media mockery.
The 37-year-old, who is also a university lecturer, was criticized for her breaking moves and her green team uniform.
She described the backlash as “alarming” but defended her standing as Australia’s top female breaker. “I was the top-ranked Australian B-girl in 2020, 2022, and 2023.
The record is there. But anything can happen in a battle,” Gunn told Channel 10 in her first interview since the Games.
Gunn admitted that while she received support, the criticism from fellow Australian breakers was particularly disheartening.
She attributed much of the negativity to a lack of understanding about the diverse styles of breaking. “A lot of the responses were due to people not being familiar with breaking and the diversity of approaches. The energy and vitriol were pretty alarming,” she explained.
An online petition accusing Gunn of manipulating her qualification for the Paris Olympics, which garnered 50,000 signatures, was later removed by the Australian Olympic Committee. Gunn dismissed the conspiracy theories, calling them “upsetting” and “not grounded in any facts.”
Despite the harsh backlash, Gunn expressed confidence in overcoming the experience and focusing on the positive aspects of her Olympic journey. “I’ll survive. I’d rather focus on the positives and the joy that I brought to people,” she concluded.
Gunn hinted that she may not compete again soon but emphasized the need for more resources in Australia to elevate the country’s breakdancing scene on the world stage.
Also Read Latest Sports News, Caitlin Clark, Ched-Z, and Condoleezza Rice Surprise Indiana Fever Practice Ahead of Cheez-It Game Day
Sarah Storey Wins 18th Gold, Extending Record as Britain’s Most Successful Paralympian
Connor McDavid Poised to Break Salary Records with Potential $20M-Per-Year Contract