Rachael 'Raygun' Gunn Apologises for Breakdancing Backlash Following Paris Olympics Performance
Aussie Olympian Rachael 'Raygun' Gunn has publicly apologised for the backlash faced by the breakdancing community after her performance in Paris, where she scored zero points. Following intense scrutiny and criticism, she voiced her sadness over the situation, stressing she can't control public reactions. The AOC condemned the bullying she endured, while she expressed confidence in her abilities as a breaker amidst the media frenzy.
Rachael 'Raygun' Gunn, an Aussie Olympian, has issued an apology to the breakdancing community following the significant backlash her performance faced during the sport's debut at the Olympics in Paris. The 36-year-old academic received intense scrutiny after scoring zero points in her breaking battles.
Raygun’s Performance Draws Mixed Reactions
The performance of Raygun has sparked a whirlwind of reactions, from ridicule to support. Her unconventional dance moves in the competition were met with disappointment by AusBreaking pioneer Leah Clark, who revealed that some B-girls were left in tears due to the fallout from the event. The mixed responses underscored the heightened emotions surrounding the inaugural appearance of breakdancing at the Olympics.
Public Apology and Reflection
Following the backlash, Raygun had remained largely silent, except for a video on Instagram expressing her devastation. In her first public interview, which is set to air on The Project, she expressed her sorrow over the criticism directed at the community. Raygun stated that while she feels regret for the fallout, she cannot control the reactions of others, emphasising her emotional response to the situation.
Selection Process Under Scrutiny
Raygun's Olympic journey raised questions about the selection process for athletes, leading to an online petition that amassed nearly 50,000 signatures, although it contained several inaccuracies. The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) responded vigorously, condemning the public bullying of Raygun and supporting her position as an athlete.
Media Frenzy Following Performance
The media response after Raygun's performance was described as 'wild', with journalists and cameras pursuing her throughout the streets of Paris. This frenzy led to a state of panic for Raygun, who felt overwhelmed by the attention. Despite the challenges she faced during and after the event, she appears ready to capitalise on her viral fame as she recently signed with renowned management team Born Bred Talent.
