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Australian breakdancer Rachael "Raygun" Gunn has recently opened up about the intense backlash she received following her viral performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In her first sit-down interview since the incident, Gunn revealed that she has not yet watched her routine in its entirety, despite the routine making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The 36-year-old's routine, which featured unconventional moves like kangaroo hopping, sparked widespread ridicule online and led to her scoring zero points in all three of her Olympic battles. The criticism didn't just come from casual observers; even within the breakdancing community, her performance was met with disappointment. Gunn admitted to Network 10's "The Project" that she was deeply affected by the backlash, stating, "It is really sad to hear those criticisms, and I am very sorry for the backlash that the community has experienced."
The fallout from Gunn's performance extended beyond social media. Allegations emerged accusing her of manipulating the Olympic selection process by establishing her own governing body and having her husband judge the qualification trials. These claims were eventually dismissed by both the Australian Olympic Committee and the World DanceSport Federation, with Gunn labeling them as "conspiracy theories." She expressed her dismay at the vitriol directed towards her, saying, "The energy and vitriol that people had was pretty alarming."
Despite the overwhelming negativity, Gunn defended her position as Australia's top female breakdancer, citing her achievements in the years leading up to the Olympics. "I was the top-ranked Australian B-girl in 2020, 2022, and 2023," Gunn asserted, emphasizing that her track record justified her selection. However, she acknowledged the unpredictability of competition, noting that "anything can happen in a battle."
The Australian breakdancing community, too, felt the weight of the criticism, with Gunn expressing regret for the impact her performance had on them. "I can't control how people react," she said, underscoring the challenges athletes face in balancing public expectations with personal performance.
As Gunn continues to navigate the aftermath of her Olympic experience, her story highlights the intersection of sport, culture, and media in the modern era. While the controversy may fade, the lessons from her experience—about resilience, public scrutiny, and the volatile nature of fame—will likely resonate far beyond the breakdancing community.
