‘Ignore the trolls’: Breakers back Raygun after Olympic pile-on

Olympic breakers have weighed in following the hurricane of negative publicity that followed the performance of Rachael “Raygun” Gunn at the Paris Olympics.

Raygun competes during the B-Girls round robin on day 14 of the Paris Olympics. Picture: Getty Images

Ignore the trolls. It’s your dance. You may be old fashioned, but thanks for the publicity.

This was the reaction of male Olympic breakers, including Australia’s Jeff “J-Attack’’ Dunne, to the hurricane of negative publicity that followed the performance of 36-year-old Rachael “Raygun” Gunn the previous day.

Breaking had a far better day with the male competition bristling with athleticism, but people were still talking about day one. One critic said Gunn resembled someone trying take the duvet off on a hot night. Another said it would set breaking back 40 years.

Rachael “Raygun” Gunn was lashed on social media. Picture: Getty Images

You wouldn’t say the reaction from her male peers was dripping with sympathy – but there was certainly no scorn.

Dunne threw his support behind Gunn, who was lashed on social media for her unorthodox style and bizarre moves and has maintained a low profile since Friday.

“All I know is she represented hard, she has been the leading breaker in Australia for the women and I acknowledge her and respect her 100 per cent,” Dunne said.

Rachael Gunn, known as Raygun. has maintained a low profile since her performance. Picture: AFP

Ukraine B-Boy Kuzya tried hard not to criticise Gunn, but he had to concede the 36-year-old’s display was anchored in a bygone another era.

“Breaking is a culture which is always improving from one era to another,” he said,

“I don’t want to criticise the girl from Australia, but she is older and there would be people who would think her routine was old-fashioned.

“They would say it was not professional enough for this stage. That is why she would be criticised.’’

Dunne, Australia’s only entry in the men’s event, opted for more traditional routine.

Jeff “J Attack” Dunne threw his support behind Rachael “Raygun” Gunn. Picture: Getty Images

The 16-year-old’s planned celebration after his performance at the Place de la Concord involved drinking coke, time with family, evading schoolwork for another day at least and going to the closing ceremony.

“I haven’t been on my laptop this whole week to stay focused,” Dunne said. “But I think my mum is going to give me a hiding if I don’t get back on it.”

Dunne bowed out of the breaking in the round robin with three defeats, but at least he earned a few votes from the judges and words of encouragement from top B-Boys.

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They told the Aussie lad to fight on in the sport. American competitor Victor Montalvo was also supportive and had strong advice for Gunn – ignore the trolls.

“Any publicity is good publicity and even bad publicity is good publicity,” Montalvo said.

“Just ignore them. It’s social media. She is at the highest level. The amount of pressure you have here is incredible.

“I give her props for being up on that stage.”

Australian chef de mission Anna Meares threw her support behind Gunn after the social media attack and derogatory memes of her breaking.

Originally published as ‘Ignore the trolls’: Breakers back Raygun after Olympic pile-on