Olympic breakdancer Raygun has broken her silence in the wake of a regrettable campaign in Paris, France, this month.
The lecturer, whose real name is Rachael Gunn, is still being mocked online for her routine in which she mimicked a kangaroo and a snake. She had kept a low profile since the closing ceremony on Sunday.
She has opted to go on holiday with her husband and coach, Samuel Free, instead of returning home with the Australian Olympic contingent.
The 36-year-old has also been mentioned in conspiracy theories, including one that claims she made it to the Olympics as part of a “social experiment.”
A change.org petition is in circulation calling for “immediate accountability and transparency” as Raygun and Paris chef de mission Anna Meares stand accused of getting her into the games via shady means.
The petition, which has been signed by over 50,000 people, alleges that the Australian manipulated the selection process so she could be chosen ahead of other talented breakdancers from her country. However, there’s no evidence pointing to such.
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Gunn took to Instagram on Thursday to thank her supporters while also addressing the hate she has received since her Olympic participation.
“Hi everyone, Raygun here,” she said in a video (H/T the Daily Mail). “I just wanna start by thanking all the people who have supported me.I really appreciate the positivity and I am glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives, that is what I had hoped.
“I didn’t realise that that would also open the door to so much hate which has frankly been pretty devastating. While I went out there and had fun, I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and I gave it my all. Truly.
“I’m honoured to have been a part of the Australian Olympic team and to be part of breaking’s Olympic debut. What the other athletes have achieved has just been phenomenal.”
Raygun Wants Everyone To Check Out What The AOC Had To Say
The breakdancer addressed the allegations noted above as well, asking everyone to refer to the Australian Olympic Committee’s statement on the matter.
“In regards to the allegations and misinformation floating around, I’d like to ask everyone to please refer to the recent statement made by the AOC as well as the posts on the Ausbreaking Instagram page as well as the WDSF breaking for gold page,” she remarked.
AOC chief Matt Carroll has blasted the petition as “appalling,” claiming it has “no factual basis.”
In any case, Rachael won’t have an opportunity to redeem herself at the 2028 Olympic Games, as breakdancing will not be featured.
