Australian Olympian Rachael Gunn has issued an apology to the breakdancing community following the backlash her routine received at the Paris Games.
Gunn, who competes as Raygun, was eliminated from the B-Girls competition with a score of zero, sparking a wave of criticism and praise for her unconventional style.
In her first interview since the event, Gunn addressed the controversy and expressed regret for the negative impact on the breakdancing community.
“It is really sad to hear those criticisms and I am very sorry for the backlash that the community has experienced,” she told Network 10’s The Project. Despite the criticism, Gunn stated, “I can’t control how people react.”
The 36-year-old, who also works as a university lecturer, faced ridicule for her performance, which featured a green tracksuit and moves like the sprinkler and kangaroo hops.
Her routine led to a flood of memes and accusations that she manipulated the selection process.
These allegations, including claims that she set up her own governing body and that her husband judged her trial, have been dismissed by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF).
Gunn defended her performance as “artistic and creative,” explaining, “I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best, the dynamic and the power moves, so I wanted to move differently.”
Despite her background as a top-ranked B-girl and her success in previous years, some critics argue that her performance undermined the Australian breakdancing scene.
The breakdancing community has been divided by the fallout, with some feeling that Gunn’s performance tarnished the sport’s reputation in Australia.
Australian hip-hop pioneer Spice expressed disappointment, stating, “It made a mockery of the Australian scene and I think that’s why a lot of us are hurting.”
Following the controversy, Gunn asked the media to cease harassing her family and friends, describing the experience as “really wild” and stressful. “Dancing was my medicine, and then it turned into my source of stress,” she said.
Gunn admitted she is “not in a place yet” to rewatch her performance but appreciated the support from fellow Olympians and the public.
“It so warmed my heart,” she said. “I would rather much focus on the positives out of this and the joy that I’ve brought people.”
Source-BBC
