Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, widely recognized as B-Girl Raygun, is addressing the backlash she faced following her viral performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite showcasing her skills on the world stage, Gunn encountered criticism and ridicule from some quarters. On Thursday, she took to Instagram to break her silence, openly discussing her experience and the impact of the negative reactions. Her response has sparked a conversation about the challenges and pressures athletes face in the spotlight, particularly in the emerging sport of breakdancing.

“I really appreciate the positivity, and I’m glad I was able to some joy in your lives,” she said. “That’s what I hoped. I didn’t realize that would open the door to so much hate, which is frankly, been pretty devastating.”

“I went out there and I had fun,” the 36-year-old breaker said. “I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics, and I gave my all.” 

Gunn, a professor from Sydney with a PhD in cultural studies, found herself at the center of controversy after her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite her academic achievements and dedication to the art of breakdancing, she lost all three of her round-robin battles, finishing with a score of 54-0. The absence of points led to significant backlash, with critics mocking some of the moves in her routine, particularly a segment dubbed the “kangaroo dance.” The routine even became a subject of humor on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” In response to the criticism, Gunn addressed her detractors, shedding light on the complexities of competing in a sport that blends cultural expression with athletic prowess. Her response highlighted the challenges faced by athletes who push the boundaries of traditional expectations, especially in an emerging Olympic discipline like breakdancing.

“Bit of a fun fact for you,” she said. “There are actually no points in breaking. If you want to see how the judges thought I compared to my opponents, you can actually see the comparison percentages across the five criteria on Olympics com. All the results are there.” 

Gunn’s selection to represent Australia at the Olympics also sparked controversy, with some questioning the process that led to her inclusion on the team.

In response to the growing criticism, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) publicly defended Gunn on Thursday. The AOC condemned an anonymous petition circulating on Change.org that demanded an apology from both Gunn and Australia’s chef de mission, Anna Meares, accusing them of “unethical conduct” in the selection process. The AOC firmly stated that Gunn was chosen for the Australian Olympic Team through a “transparent and independent qualification event and nomination process.” The organization emphasized that her selection was made in accordance with established procedures, reinforcing their support for Gunn amid the backlash. This defense highlights the AOC’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the selection process and protecting athletes from unfounded criticism.

“It is disgraceful that these falsehoods concocted by an anonymous person can be published in this way. It amounts to bullying and harassment and is defamatory,” AOC CEO Matt Carroll said in a statement. 

As of Thursday afternoon, the petition had been removed from the website, no longer available for public viewing.

In addressing the controversy, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) clarified that Rachael Gunn held no official role within AUSBreaking or DanceSport Australia, the two primary organizations responsible for overseeing competitive breaking in the country. This statement aimed to dispel any misconceptions about her involvement in the administrative or decision-making processes within the sport.

Further accusations were directed at Gunn’s husband, Samuel Free, who is also a breakdancer. Critics alleged that Free may have influenced the selection process, but the AOC firmly refuted these claims. They stated unequivocally that Free was not a judge at the qualifying event and had no involvement in the selection of athletes for the Olympic team. The AOC’s response sought to address and dismantle the rumors surrounding Gunn’s selection, reinforcing their stance on the fairness and transparency of the process.