Rachael “Raygun” Gunn thinks the “hate” she’s receiving is spinning out of control.
The Australian breaker went incredibly viral last weekend thanks to her bonkers routine at the 2024 Paris Olympics , which included several moves she says she invented herself — including a liberal use of Tyrannosaurus rex arms and a few kangaroo hops.
B-girl Raygun of Team Australia competes in breaking on Aug. 9 at the Paris Olympics.
Decked out in a green tracksuit that comedian Josh Johnson described as looking like it was from “Squid Game , ” Gunn threw down a routine on the global stage that appeared so amateurish and bizarre that she was swiftly roasted by the masses online .
After days of mockery, Gunn posted a video statement Thursday on her Instagram account in which she speaks out against the criticism, defends herself against allegations of favoritism and asks for privacy.
“Hi, everyone, Raygun here. I just want to start by thanking all the people who have supported me,” she began. “I really appreciate the positivity, and I’m glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives. That’s what I hoped.
“I didn’t realize that that would also open the door to so much hate, which has frankly been pretty devastating. But I went out there and I had fun. I did take it very seriously.”
“I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics, and I gave my all, truly,” she added. “I’m honored to have been a part of the Australian Olympic Team and to be part of breaking’s Olympic debut.”
After Raygun’s performance last week, rumors began to swirl online that she manipulated the Olympics’ selection process to get her spot on Team Australia. A now deleted-post on Reddit even claimed that Gunn and her husband and coach, Samuel Free, were founders of the Australian Breaking Association , which was involved in the selection process.
The Sydney Morning Herald confirmed that they are not. Lowe Napalan, another Australian breaking champion, was the founder.
On Tuesday, Australian breaking organization AUSBreak also dismissed claims that Raygun conned her way into the competition. It confirmed in a statement that the selection process for the Games adhered to the “World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) regulations, which align with International Olympic Committee (IOC) standards” to “ensure a fair and transparent outcome.” The organization added that it condemns “the global online harassment and bullying of Raygun.”
Rachael Gunn at an April portrait session in Sydney.
In her video statement, Gunn asked that anyone who is still skeptical about her selection to refer to the statements by the AOC (Australian Olympic Committee), “as well as the posts on the AUSbreaking Instagram page ” and the WDSF Breaking for Gold page .
Gunn ended her video statement by saying she was going to be off for some planned downtime for the next few weeks and pleaded with the media and masses to taper down their vitriol.
“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,” she said. “Everyone has been through a lot, as a result of this, so I ask you to please respect their privacy.
“I’ll be happy to answer more questions on my return to Australia. Thanks, everyone.”
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