Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, also known as Raygun, has finally spoken out after the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Raygun’s breakdancing routine went viral after she received zero points in all three rounds she competed in. The video of her performance spread quickly, making her famous for the wrong reasons. There’s even an online petition demanding that Gunn apologize for her performance.
Until now, Raygun hadn’t said anything about what happened, but she recently addressed the situation on Instagram. In a two-and-a-half-minute video, she shared that she was “devastated by the hate” she received.
In her video, Gunn thanked the people who supported her during the Paris Games, but also talked honestly about the online abuse she’s faced. She said she didn’t expect that the “joy she brought” to people would also lead to people making fun of her routine.
According to ESPN, over 40,000 people have signed a petition accusing Gunn of “manipulating” the Olympic qualification process.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 09: B-Girl Raygun of Team Australia competes during the B-Girls Round Robin – Group B on day fourteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Place de la Concorde on August 09, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
In her Instagram video, Raygun thanked everyone who supported her, saying, “I really appreciate the positivity, and I’m glad I could bring some joy into your lives. That’s what I hoped for.”
However, she admitted that she didn’t expect the hate that followed. “I didn’t realize that would also open the door to so much hate, which has been pretty devastating. But I went out there and had fun,” she said.
Raygun also responded to questions about her commitment, making it clear that she worked hard to prepare for the Olympics. “I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics, and I gave it my all. I’m honored to have been part of the Australian team and Australia’s breaking debut. What the other athletes achieved is phenomenal,” she said.
The 36-year-old also addressed false information that’s been spreading online since her performance in Paris. One rumor claimed that she only made the Australian Olympic team because her husband was a national selector and a judge at a qualifying event. This rumor has been proven to be completely false.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) condemned the online petition against her, with AOC boss Matt Carroll writing to the petition’s website to demand its immediate removal.
What did you think of Rachael Gunn’s breakdancing routine? Share your thoughts in the comments.
The Deadly Online Trend That Claimed an Innocent Life
Youngsters frequently lack awareness of the dangerous outcomes that can result from heedlessly adopting trends they come across online. Sadly, Tommie-Lee Billington, an innocent 11-year-old kid, lost his life as a result of this ignorance. His bereaved family is now alerting people to the risks that can be found on social media.
Tommie met a risky challenge on TikTok at a stay at a friend’s house, which led to the tragic event. To reach a high in this specific task, you had to inhale hazardous gasses or solvents. Tommie’s heart stopped abruptly, which was shocking and led to his untimely death.
This tragic loss is not an uncommon occurrence. In addition, two teenage girls perished while taking part in the same risky TikTok “challenge.” To safeguard our kids, we must raise awareness of this potentially fatal tendency and take appropriate action.
Sherry, Tommie’s mother, has resorted to social media to encourage parents to talk openly with their kids and stop them from acting riskily on TikTok. She shares on Facebook, “This cost my son his life from trying something other kids are doing,” in an emotional post. Please discuss the repercussions of this with your kids. I don’t see why someone would even attempt this! It’s really risky!
Sherry goes on to convey her pain and her determination to honor her son’s legacy by spreading awareness and preventing other kids from suffering the same terrible destiny. Let’s band together to help Tommie’s family through this awful period of loss and make sure that no other youngster is harmed by this dangerous trend.
Peace be with you, Tommie. We are so sorry for your family. Let’s now work together to promote this very essential message to ensure that no child dies needlessly.
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