‘Pretty Devastating’: Raygun Breaks Silence on Olympics Controversy
Australian breaking athlete Rachael Gunn, who became one of the biggest and most divisive stories of the Paris Olympics, says the “hate” she received after bombing out of competition has been “pretty devastating” for her and her family.
Controversy and Criticism
Gunn, who competed under the moniker Raygun, was subjected to widespread criticism for her Olympics performance. She received a score of zero in all three of her breaking battles in the sport’s inaugural showing at the Games, including moves imitating a kangaroo.
The criticism has continued after her performance, with a change.org petition addressed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Olympic Committee calling for Gunn and Australian chef de mission Anna Meares to be held “accountable for unethical conduct.”
Raygun’s Response
Speaking publicly for the first time since her controversial performance, Gunn said on Instagram she didn’t expect the “hate” her efforts attracted.
“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. That’s what I hoped [to do],” she said in a post on Thursday night.
“I didn’t realise that that would also open the door to so much hate, which has frankly been pretty devastating. I went out there and I had fun and I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and I gave my all – truly.”
Gunn, 36, did not directly address “allegations” and “misinformation” surrounding her qualification for Paris, pointing followers to statements issued in her support.
Support and Defense
Both the Australian Olympic Committee and governing body AusBreaking backed Gunn in separate statements issued on Thursday.
AOC chief executive Matt Carroll labelled the online petition “bullying and harassment and is defamatory”.
“We are demanding that it be removed from the site immediately,” he said.
In its statement, AusBreaking addressed the accusations, including a claim Gunn’s husband, Samuel Free, was involved in the selection process.
“Contrary to circulating misinformation, Dr Gunn’s husband, Raygun’s coach, was not a member of the selection panel or judging committee,” AusBreaking said.
Gunn said her family, friends, and the Australian breaking community had been “through a lot” as a result of the fallout from her performance.
