Olympics 2024: Australian Exec Defends Breaker Raygun Amid Online Trolling

Rachael "Raygun" Gunn was a breaker of social media when she competed in the 2024 Olympics.

The breakdancer, an Australian university lecturer with a Ph.D. in cultural studies, was the target of hateful comments from internet trolls after her viral performance during the sport's Olympic debut Aug. 9, during which she lost all three of her B-Girl round-robin battles. And Australia's Olympic chief was not having it.

"I love Rachael," Chef de mission Anna Meares said about the 36-year-old at a press conference Aug. 10, per Reuters. "and I think that what has occurred on social media with trolls and keyboard warriors, and taking those comments and giving them airtime, has been really disappointing."

The executive continued, "Raygun is an absolutely loved member of this Olympic team. She has represented the Olympic team, the Olympic spirit with great enthusiasm. And 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."

On social media, viewers had mocked Gunn's unconventional breakdancing moves, which included one dubbed "the kangaroo." She later brushed off the comments.

"Don’t be afraid to be different, go out there and represent yourself," she wrote on Instagram. "You never know where that’s gonna take you."

The Sydney-based Macquarie University lecturer also noted that she "was always the underdog" in the competition—which was won by Japan's Ami Yuasa, or B-Girl Ami—and reflected on her unique style.

"All my moves are original,” Gunn told reporters after her performance, per News.com.au. “I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best, the dynamic and the power moves."

She continued, "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?"

And speaking of style, Trolls also ridiculed Gunn's outfit, a green and yellow Australian Olympic tracksuit and matching cap. The Olympian responded to her fashion critics, writing on her Instagram Stories, "Looking forward to the same level of scrutiny on what the bboys wear tomorrow."

Meares noted the history of misogyny that has been directed at female athletes for the past century.

"In 2008, she was locked in a room crying being involved in a male dominated sport as the only woman, and it took great courage for her to continue on and fight for her opportunity to participate in a sport that she loved," she said about Gunn. "That got her to winning the Olympic qualifying event to be here in Paris."

Meares added, "She is the best breakdancer female that we have for Australia."

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