Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, also known as Raygun, has finally spoken out after the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Raygun’s breakdancing routine went viral after she received zero points in all three rounds she competed in. The video of her performance spread quickly, making her famous for the wrong reasons. There’s even an online petition demanding that Gunn apologize for her performance.
Until now, Raygun hadn’t said anything about what happened, but she recently addressed the situation on Instagram. In a two-and-a-half-minute video, she shared that she was “devastated by the hate” she received.
In her video, Gunn thanked the people who supported her during the Paris Games, but also talked honestly about the online abuse she’s faced. She said she didn’t expect that the “joy she brought” to people would also lead to people making fun of her routine.
According to ESPN, over 40,000 people have signed a petition accusing Gunn of “manipulating” the Olympic qualification process.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 09: B-Girl Raygun of Team Australia competes during the B-Girls Round Robin – Group B on day fourteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Place de la Concorde on August 09, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
In her Instagram video, Raygun thanked everyone who supported her, saying, “I really appreciate the positivity, and I’m glad I could bring some joy into your lives. That’s what I hoped for.”
However, she admitted that she didn’t expect the hate that followed. “I didn’t realize that would also open the door to so much hate, which has been pretty devastating. But I went out there and had fun,” she said.
Raygun also responded to questions about her commitment, making it clear that she worked hard to prepare for the Olympics. “I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics, and I gave it my all. I’m honored to have been part of the Australian team and Australia’s breaking debut. What the other athletes achieved is phenomenal,” she said.
The 36-year-old also addressed false information that’s been spreading online since her performance in Paris. One rumor claimed that she only made the Australian Olympic team because her husband was a national selector and a judge at a qualifying event. This rumor has been proven to be completely false.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) condemned the online petition against her, with AOC boss Matt Carroll writing to the petition’s website to demand its immediate removal.
What did you think of Rachael Gunn’s breakdancing routine? Share your thoughts in the comments.
15 Side-by-Side Photos of Celebrities and Their Children at the Same Age
The saying “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” often proves true, and the celebrities featured in this article all have children who followed their footsteps and became famous as well. The kids are achieving great results, just like their parents did when they were the same age.
Bright Side prepared a compilation of side-by-side photos of celebrities and their kids as peers. It shows not only the similarity and difference in their faces but also how the trends changed with time — some of these kids would not get the hairstyle their parents had!
Lenny Kravitz and Zoe Kravitz at age 32
Angelina Jolie and Shiloh Jolie-Pitt at age 15
Will Smith and Jaden Smith at age 23
Tom Hanks and Colin Hanks at age 42
Blythe Danner and Gwyneth Paltrow at age 42
Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson at age 40
Melanie Griffith and Dakota Johnson at age 32
Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. at age 31
Meryl Streep and Mamie Gummer at age 37
Ron Howard and Bryce Dallas Howard at age 38
Demi Moore and Rumer Willis at age 28
Uma Thurman and Maya Hawke at age 22
Lea Thompson and Zoey Deutch at age 24
Carrie Fisher and Billie Lourd at age 27
Can you see the resemblance? Do you think the child or the parent looks the best?
Got some cool photos or stories and want to be featured on Bright Side? Send them all right HERE and right now. Meanwhile, we’re waiting!
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