Australia’s Olympic breakdancer Rachael Gunn received significant attention following her performance at Paris.
The 36-year-old Australian university lecturer, known competitively as Raygun, went viral on Aug. 9 for losing all her round-robin battles by a combined score of 54-0.
Gunn received widespread criticism for failing to perform standard breakdancing moves, instead opting to perform original moves that some have named after Australian animals such as the iconic kangaroo.
However, Australia’s Chef de Mission and former Olympic champion cyclist, Anna Meares, has defended the Olympian.
“I think that what has occurred on social media with trolls and keyboard warriors, and taking those comments and giving them airtime, has been really disappointing,” Meares said at a press conference on Aug. 10.
“Raygun is an absolutely loved member of this Olympic team. She has represented the Olympic team, [and] the Olympic spirit with great enthusiasm. And I absolutely love her courage.
“I love her character, and I feel very disappointed for her, that she has come under the attack that she has.”
Raygun Responds
Gunn has also responded to the backlash, stating that she brings creativity and that all her moves are original.“I was never going to beat those girls on what they do best—their power moves,” Gunn said.
“Creativity is really important to me. I go out there, and I show my artistry. Sometimes it speaks to the judges, and sometimes it doesn’t. I do my thing, and it represents art. This is what it is about.”
However, her unconventional dance moves weren’t received well at the games and clips of her dance have gone viral on TikTok and other platforms.
Chef de Mission Meares said it took great courage for Gunn to persist in a sport she loved and to fight for her opportunity to participate.
“That got her to winning the Olympic qualifying event to be here in Paris. She is the best breakdancer female that we have for Australia,” Meares said.
