Add Category
In short:
Australian Olympic breakdancer Rachael Gunn has made her first public statement since the Paris Olympic Games.
Gunn was criticised for her performance in breaking, with allegations she was mocking the sport.
What's next?
The Australian Olympic Committee demanded an online petition calling for accountability over Gunn's selection for Paris 2024 be removed.
Australian Olympic breakdancer Rachael Gunn has called for an end to the "pretty devastating" reaction to her performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Raygun, the breaking name of Australian academic and B-Girl, was maligned for her performance last week during breaking's Olympic debut.
There have been allegations that the Australian was mocking the sport, while footage of her moves has gained notoriety on social media.
Loading Instagram content
In her first statement since the Olympics, Gunn said she gave her all in the Olympics and was shattered by the backlash she has received.
"I just want to start by thanking all the people who have supported me, I really appreciate the positivity and I was glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives — that's what I hoped," she said in a video posted to her Instagram page.
"I didn't realise that that would also open the door to so much hate which has frankly been pretty devastating.
Loading..."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 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."
Raygun was defeated in all three bouts at the Olympic Games, failing to secure a single vote from any of the judges.
On Thursday, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) demanded the removal of an online petition that called for "immediate accountability and transparency" over Gunn's selection.
The AOC wrote to change.org, stating the petition had "stirred up public hatred without any factual basis".
The petition has reportedly been removed.
One suggestion made in the petition was that more talented breakdancers were overlooked for the spot on the Olympic team. The petition was also critical of Australian team chef de mission Anna Meares.
"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," Gunn said.
"I'd really like to ask the press to please stop harassing my family, my friends, the Australian breaking community, and the broader street dance community.
"Everyone has been through a lot as a result of this so I ask you to please respect their privacy."
AOC chief executive Matt Carroll said those who signed the online petition should apologise to Gunn and Meares.
"Take care what you sign up [to] … because it was totally factually incorrect," Carroll told ABC News Breakfast.
"Maybe have a think. There is always opportunity to use social media for good and say sorry to Rachael and Anna."
Carroll said the AOC had been in touch with Gunn to ensure she was coping.
"Some of my crew — because I've been on the plane coming home — have been in contact with her … in the early hours of this morning," he said.
"We are providing support, both personal and in how to manage the PR situation."
Sports content to make you think... or allow you not to. A newsletter delivered each Saturday.