Olympic Breaker Rachael Gunn Speaks Out About Devastating Backlash

Australian breaker Rachael Gunn has opened up about the overwhelming negativity she has faced since her Olympic debut, saying that the level of hatred she has received has been “devastating.”

Gunn, who is known as Raygun, competed in the inaugural breaking event at the Paris Olympics, where she performed a “kangaroo dance” among other moves. However, she did not receive a single point from any of the nine judges and was subsequently mocked for her efforts.

In a video posted on Instagram, Gunn said that she was not prepared for the level of negative attention she received. “I didn’t realise that that would also open the door to so much hate, which has, frankly, been pretty devastating,” she said.

Gunn emphasized that she took the competition seriously and gave it her best effort. “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.”

Gunn also revealed that she has been subjected to abuse that went beyond criticism of her dance moves. “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 said. “Everyone has been through a lot as a result of this. So I ask you to please respect their privacy.”

AOC Condemns Petition Against Gunn

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has condemned an online petition calling for an investigation into Gunn’s selection for the Paris Olympics, saying that it contained falsehoods aimed at inciting hatred against her.

AOC chief executive Matt Carroll said the petition had “stirred up public hatred without any factual basis”, adding that it was “vexatious, misleading and bullying.”

The change.org petition, which called for Gunn to apologize, was removed from the platform after the AOC asked for it to be taken down.

Breaking Not on Program for 2028 Olympics

Breaking is not on the sports program for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which means that Gunn’s Olympic journey may have come to an end.

Gunn said that she would take a few weeks of previously planned holiday in Europe and would answer any more questions on her return to Australia.