In her first public statement since the 2024 Paris Olympics, Rachael "Raygun" Gunn addresses the backlash and harassment she faced after her breakdancing performance. The Australian dancer shares her experience, the impact of online hate, and calls for respect towards her family and community. Discover her journey and the importance of mental health in competitive sports.
Rachael "Raygun" Gunn, the Australian breakdancer who competed in the inaugural Olympic breakdancing event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, recently addressed the significant backlash she faced following her performances. In an emotional Instagram video, she expressed gratitude to her supporters while confronting the wave of negativity that has ensued since her matches.
Raygun, who gained viral fame during the Olympics, faced intense scrutiny after losing three matches in the competition. The backlash included a surge of online criticism, memes, and even an online petition that questioned her participation and the fairness of the selection process. The Australian Olympic Committee has since denounced these claims, but the damage to Raygun's reputation had already been done.
In her video, Raygun stated, “I didn’t realize that would also open the door to so much hate, which has frankly been pretty devastating.” She acknowledged the emotional toll the backlash has taken, not only on herself but also on her family and the broader breaking community.
Raygun took the opportunity to clarify some of the misinformation circulating online. She urged viewers to refer to official statements from the Australian Olympic Committee and the World DanceSport Federation, emphasizing that there are no points in breakdancing. Instead, performances are evaluated based on five criteria, and detailed comparison percentages can be found on the official Olympics website.
“I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and I gave my all truly,” she shared, highlighting the dedication and effort she put into her training. Raygun expressed pride in being part of the Australian Olympic team and the historic debut of breaking as an Olympic sport.
In her heartfelt message, Raygun also made a plea to the media and the public: “I’d really like to ask the press to please stop harassing my family, my friends, the Australian breaking community, and the broader street dance community.” She emphasized that everyone involved has been affected by the backlash and requested that their privacy be respected during this challenging time.
As she prepares to take some downtime in Europe, Raygun expressed her hope to return to Australia and engage with her supporters upon her return. Her resilience in the face of adversity serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges athletes can face, both on and off the stage.
Rachael "Raygun" Gunn's experience at the 2024 Paris Olympics highlights the pressures athletes endure, particularly in the age of social media where criticism can spread rapidly. Her call for understanding and respect resonates not only within the dance community but also among all athletes navigating the complexities of public scrutiny. As breakdancing continues to gain recognition on the global stage, Raygun's journey will undoubtedly inspire future generations of dancers to pursue their passion, regardless of the challenges they may face.
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