‘Devastating’: Raygun breaks silence
Written by admin on August 15, 2024
Australia’s most controversial Olympian Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn has broken her silence after copping flack for her strange performance in the breakdancing competition in Paris.
In an Instagram post published on Thursday night, Gunn, 36, said she “gave her all” in the competition.
Her unique break dancing style – which included a kangaroo hop – went viral after she competed at the Paris Olympics, gaining international attention from American talk show host Jimmy Fallon and singing superstar Adele.
It’s also led to an online petition targeting breaking Gunn, demanding a public apology which the Australian Olympic Committee has called “vexatious, misleading and bullying”.
“I just want to start by thanking all the people who supported me. I really appreciate all the positivity and I’m glad I was able to bring some joy to your life” Gunn said in the Instagram post.
“I didn’t also think that would open the door to so much hate which has frankly been devastating.
Despite claims Raygun did not take her Olympic debut seriously, she said she gave it her all.
“I went out there and I had fun, I did take it very seriously,” she said.
“I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and I gave my all truly.
“I am honoured to have been a part of the Australian Olympic team and to be part of breakings Olympic debut.”
She has also asked the media to “please stop harassing my family, my friends, the breaking community”.
“I will be happy to answer questions on my return to Australia.”
Gunn did not return to Australia on Wednesday with most of the rest of the Australian team, instead taking a pre-planned holiday.
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Earlier on Thursday, the Australian Olympic Committee lashed the petition.
AOC boss Matt Carroll said the petition, which demands a public apology from Gunn and chef de mission Anna Meares for “unethical conduct” over the dancer’s Olympic selection, was “appalling” and had “no factual basis”.
Created by an anonymous user on Monday, the Change.org petition has attracted more than 45,000 signatures and claims Gunn “set up her own governing body for breakdancing” and rigged qualification for the one-off Olympic sport.
