Raygun Speaks Out on Olympic Performance Criticism

Understanding Raygun's Experience

Australian breaker Rachel Raygun Gunn, who quickly became one of the most talked-about Olympians at the Paris Games, faced significant backlash following her performance. In her first interview since this event, she describes the criticism as alarming and rooted in a general lack of knowledge about the sport. Gunn emphasized that the energy and vitriol she received was both upsetting and misguided.

The Aftermath of Performance

In her Olympic bouts, Gunn recorded a score of 54-0 against her, leading to a wave of internet memes, particularly regarding her dance moves mimicking a kangaroo. Despite this, she stated that misunderstanding the sport led to harsh judgments. She said, “I am very sorry for the backlash that the community has experienced, but I can’t control how people react.”

Breaking the Ice

Furthermore, a Change.org petition questioning her qualification gathered over 45,000 signatures before the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) requested its removal. AOC chief executive branded the petition as disgraceful, calling it a spread of misinformation. Gunn shared, “The conspiracy theories were just awful.” She expressed disappointment that it wasn’t just her skills being questioned but the integrity of the Australian breaking community as well.

Future of Breaking in Australia

Securing her spot by winning the QMS Oceania Championships, Gunn revealed that she entered the Olympics knowing well her unconventional style would be scrutinized. She concluded her thoughts by stating her intention to take a break from public competitions to focus positively on the support she has received, emphasizing a need for better resources to uplift Australian breaking.