Australian Olympic Officials and B-Girl Respond to Controversial Theories About Paris Performance
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and b-girl Raygun have responded to the backlash and criticism surrounding her performance at the Paris Olympics. Raygun, whose real name is Rachael Gunn, faced ridicule after receiving zero points in three rounds for her unconventional “kangaroo dance” and other maneuvers on the floor. This mockery escalated into various theories questioning the AOC’s decision to select her for the Summer Games.
More than 40,000 people signed a Change.org petition alleging that Raygun had somehow manipulated the Olympic qualification process. Additionally, there were claims casting doubt on the validity of the Oceania qualifying event and speculations that Raygun and fellow breaker Samuel Free had undisclosed positions within Australian breaking organizations.
Despite the negativity, Raygun found support from Australian team chef de mission Anna Meares. However, the AOC decided to issue a statement addressing the criticisms head-on. Chief Executive Officer Matt Carroll condemned the petition for spreading “numerous falsehoods intended to incite hatred against an athlete who earned her place on the Australian Olympic team through a transparent and independent qualification process.”
Carroll further labeled the allegations as bullying, harassment, and defamation, demanding the immediate removal of the petition from the website. The AOC clarified that Raygun’s participation in the qualifying event adhered to the Olympic qualification system set by the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) and approved by the International Olympic Committee.
The WDSF confirmed that a panel of nine independent international judges evaluated the event, emphasizing the fairness and impartiality of the selection process. The AOC also clarified that Raygun does not hold any official position within AUSBreaking or DanceSport Australia, underscoring her role as a dedicated athlete who earned her spot through hard work and talent.
In response to the controversy, Raygun took to her Instagram to express gratitude for the support she received while addressing the hate and negativity that followed her performance. She acknowledged the positive feedback and joy she brought to her supporters, contrasting it with the hurtful backlash she faced.
Despite approaching her performance with dedication and seriousness, Raygun acknowledged the hurtful comments and misinformation circulating online. She urged the media to refrain from harassing her family, friends, and the broader breaking and dance communities, emphasizing the toll the situation had taken on everyone involved.
Raygun echoed the sentiments expressed in the AOC’s statement, urging the public to refer to official sources for accurate information. She emphasized the need for privacy and respect for those affected by the controversy, highlighting the emotional impact it had on her loved ones and supporters.
As she prepares to take a vacation in Europe before returning to Australia, Raygun remains grateful for the opportunity to represent her country at the Olympics and be a part of breaking’s debut on the world stage. She expressed admiration for her fellow athletes and their remarkable achievements, underscoring the collective effort and dedication within the breaking community.
Overall, the response from the Australian Olympic Committee and Raygun reflects a commitment to transparency, integrity, and respect amidst the controversy surrounding her performance. By addressing the allegations head-on and emphasizing the rigorous qualification process, they aim to set the record straight and uphold the integrity of the Olympic Games.