‘Pretty devastating’: Raygun breaks silence on Olympics controversy

Australian breaking athlete Rachael Gunn, who became one of the biggest and most divisive stories of the Paris Olympics, says the “hate” she received after bombing out of competition has been “pretty devastating” for her and her family.

Gunn, who competed under the moniker Raygun, was subjected to widespread criticism for her Olympics performance, which included moves imitating a kangaroo and resulted in her receiving a score of zero in all three of her breaking battles in the sport’s inaugural showing at the Games.

The criticism has continued after her performance, with a change.org petition addressed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Olympic Committee calling for Gunn and Australian chef de mission Anna Meares to be held “accountable for unethical conduct”.

The petition accuses Gunn of setting up her own governing body for breakdancing, manipulating the selection process and denying funding for a youth group to attend qualifiers. It also claims young Australian breaking athletes were unfairly overlooked for Olympic selection.

Speaking publicly for the first time since her controversial performance, Gunn said on Instagram she didn’t expect the “hate” her efforts attracted.

“I just want to start by thanking all the people who have supported me. I really appreciate the positivity and I’m glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives. That’s what I hoped [to do],” she said in a post on Thursday night.

“I didn’t realise that that would also open the door to so much hate, which has frankly been pretty devastating. I went out there and I had fun and I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and I gave my all – truly.

“I am 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.”

Gunn, 36, did not directly address “allegations” and “misinformation” surrounding her qualification for Paris, pointing followers to statements issued in her support.

Both the Australian Olympic Committee and governing body AusBreaking backed Gunn in separate statements issued on Thursday.

Australian Olympic Committee chief executive Matt Carroll issued a statement defending Gunn.Credit: Getty Images

AOC chief executive Matt Carroll labelled the online petition “bullying and harassment and is defamatory”.

“We are demanding that it be removed from the site immediately,” he said.

In its statement, AusBreaking addressed the accusations, including a claim Gunn’s husband, Samuel Free, was involved in the selection process.

“Contrary to circulating misinformation, Dr Gunn’s husband, Raygun’s coach, was not a member of the selection panel or judging committee,” AusBreaking said.

Gunn said her family, friends and the Australian breaking community had been “through a lot” as a result of the fallout from her performance.

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