Australian b-girl Raygun addresses harsh criticism following her Olympic debut in breaking, calls for privacy amidst allegations of manipulation in her selection process.
Bollywood Fever: Raygun, the Australian b-girl whose Olympic debut in breaking at the 2024 Paris Games sparked widespread criticism, took to social media on Thursday to address the intense backlash she’s faced. Raygun, whose real name is Rachael Gunn, expressed how the negative reactions have deeply affected her, while also defending her selection to represent Australia in the sport’s first-ever Olympic appearance.
Raygun’s performance was met with ridicule both online and from the Paris judges, with her receiving zero votes in all three rounds of her competition. Rumors later surfaced that she manipulated Australia’s selection process to secure her spot on the team, further fueling the criticism.
In a video message posted on Instagram, Raygun thanked her supporters and shared her feelings about the backlash. “I just want to start by thanking all the people who have supported me. I really appreciate the positivity, and I’m glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives,” she began. “I didn’t realize that [it] would also open the door to so much hate, which, frankly, has been pretty devastating.”
Raygun emphasized that despite the criticism, she took her Olympic preparation seriously and gave her all on the global stage. “While 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. I’m honored to have been part of the Australian Olympic Team and to be a part of breaking’s Olympics debut.”
Addressing the allegations about her selection process, Raygun directed viewers to statements from the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), the @ausbreaking Instagram page, and the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) Breaking for Gold page. These organizations have all released statements supporting the fairness of the selection process and condemning the online harassment she’s faced.
A statement from AUSbreaking clarified that the selection process adhered to WDSF regulations, which align with International Olympic Committee standards, ensuring a fair and transparent outcome. “Ultimately, Rachael Gunn and Jeff Dunne emerged as the top performers in exactly the same process, securing their spots to represent Australia in Paris,” the statement read, also condemning the global online harassment directed at Raygun.
Raygun also addressed the misconception about her reportedly receiving a score of zero from the judges. “There are actually no points in breaking,” she explained, pointing out that the competition outcomes are based on votes from the judges. According to olympics.com, Raygun received zero votes in each round of her competition, leading to her loss.
She concluded her message with a plea for privacy, asking people to stop harassing her family, friends, and the broader street dance community. “Everyone has been through a lot as a result of this, so I ask you to please respect their privacy,” she said. “I’ll be happy to answer more questions on my return to Australia.”
Raygun’s candid response highlights the emotional toll of competing on the world stage, especially in a sport making its Olympic debut. As the breaking community continues to grow and evolve, her experience underscores the challenges athletes face in the spotlight.
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