‘Locked in a room crying’: Anna Meares defends Aussie breakdancer over ‘trolls’

Raygun’s performance set the internet ablaze with her unique moves, how Australia’s team boss has revealed the toll of the fallout.

Australia’s Olympic team boss has come out in defence of breakdancer Rachael Gunn after her performance on the world stage went viral.

Gunn - known as Raygun - failed to score a point in her three round-robin battles 18-0 during the sport’s debut on Friday night as her unique style of breaking set the internet ablaze.

AOC chef de mission Anna Meares said Gunn was an “absolutely loved member” of the Australian team and denounced criticism of her performance on the Olympic stage.

Anna Meares, Chef de Mission of Team Australia, has come out in defence of Rachael Gunn. Picture: Getty

Gunn bowed out of the competition without gaining a single point. Picture: Getty

“I love Rachael,” Meares told reporters.

“What has occurred on social media with trolls and keyboard warriors, and taking those comments and giving them airtime, has been really disappointing.

“She is the best breakdancer female that we have for Australia.”

Meares said Gunn had represented the Olympic team with “great enthusiasm”.

Raygun secured her place as Australia’s b-girl representative after winning last year’s Oceania Breaking Championships.

One of her moves in being dubbed “the kangaroo”. Picture: Getty

“In 2008, she was locked in a room crying, being involved in a male-dominated sport as the only woman,” Meares said.

“Now you look at the history of what we have had as women athletes, have faced in terms of criticism, belittlement, Judgement, and simple comments like ‘they shouldn’t be there’,” she said

“One hundred years ago, leading into Paris 1924, Australia sent a team of 37 athletes — none were women.

“One hundred years later, we have 256 women representing here.”

The 36-year-old Macquarie University lecturer was originally a ballroom dance before being introduced to the sport at age 20.

She also has a PhD in breakdancing and dance culture.

“I absolutely love her courage. I love her character and I feel very disappointed for her, that she has come under the attack that she has,” Meares said.

“And it took great courage for her to continue on and fight for her opportunity to participate in a sport that she loved.

“That got her to winning the Olympic qualifying event to be here in Paris.”

After her performance at the Games, Gunn explained her unique style of breaking.

Gunn is the Oceania continental champion. Picture: AFP

“All my moves are original,” she told reporters.

“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, be artistic and creative because how many chances do you get in a lifetime to do that on an international stage?

“I was always the underdog and wanted to make my mark in a different way.”

Gunn herself fired back at critiques on social media, who mocked her Olympic uniform.

“Looking forward to the same level of scrutiny on what the bboys wear tomorrow,” she wrote.

Australia’s 16-year-old B-boy Jeff Dunne, known as “J Attack”, also bowed out during the heats, scoring two points during the men’s breaking on Sunday morning AEST.

The International Olympic Committee knew it was taking one of its biggest gambles by introducing the sport this year in its efforts to connect with a younger audience.

The sport won’t return for LA in 2028, but could potentially see a comeback in Brisbane for 2032.

Organisers made sure breaking had its time in the sun in Paris, pumping up the crowd with an introduction from rapper Snoop Dogg.

Originally published as ‘Locked in a room crying’: Anna Meares defends Aussie breakdancer over ‘trolls’