Abhay Singh
Australian Olympian Rachael “Raygun” Gunn faced a backlash from the breaking community following her controversial performance at the Paris Games. Gunn, who apologized for the controversy, maintained that her impressive track record solidifies her position as Australia’s top B-girl.
The seasoned 37-year-old athlete stirred up controversy with a routine that involved kangaroo-like hops and floor flailing during the round-robin stage, ultimately leading to her elimination from the event.
“I am very sorry for the backlash that the community has experienced”
Social media parodies and sketches that recreated her dance went viral very fast after her appearance. The “kangaroo” dance, in which Gunn leaned back, kicked one leg in the air, and kept her arms close to her body, was especially well-liked.
In her first interview since her performance on the TV show “The Project,” which airs on Australia’s Network 10, made news across the world, Gunn said she was “really sad to hear those criticisms.” A preview of the prepared interview was made public ahead of time, but the entire conversation will air on Wednesday.
She stated “I am very sorry for the backlash that the community has experienced, but I can’t control how people react,”
She also added “I think my record speaks to that.” When asked about if she believes that she’s the best.
Gunn, a cultural studies lecturer at Macquarie University in Sydney, described being pursued by the media following her Olympic performance as “really wild.” “That really did put me in a state of panic,” she added.
“I did take it very seriously”
Gunn expressed surprise at the backlash she faced for her performance, stating that it opened the door to a devastating amount of hate, as she didn’t realize it.
“I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and I gave my all, truly.” She added.
Gunn did not address a Change.org petition accusing her of manipulating the selection process for her own advantage, which gained thousands of signatures after her performance. The petition did not provide evidence and the Australian Olympic Committee called it “vexatious, misleading and bullying” after its appearance last month.
AOC CEO Matt Carroll stated that Gunn was chosen for the squad “through a transparent and independent qualification event and nomination process.”
Breaking has been dropped from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and it is unclear whether the event will return for the Games in 2032.
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