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.
Parents were really surprised when their baby was born with a big smile on its face.
Ayla Summer Mucha startled her parents by beaming brightly when she was born in December 2021. Her parents fell in love with her right away, despite their first confusion due to an unusual illness that caused her smile to be permanent. Ayla is now well-known on social media, and her charming smile is adored by people everywhere.On December 30, 2021, Cristina Vercher and her husband Blaize Mucha were eager to finally see their newborn girl after nine months of waiting. However, unexpected news was delivered by the doctors during the C-section delivery.Due to bilateral macrostomia, Ayla Summer Mucha’s mouth did not form normally from birth.When a baby is growing inside its mother, the corners of the mouth sometimes don’t meet correctly, a condition known as a facial cleft. Just 14 cases similar to it have been documented in medical books due to its extreme rarity.Because the ultrasounds revealed no issues, Ayla’s parents were unaware of this until after she was born. They became really concerned when they noticed that she was speaking with her mouth agape. Even though Ayla was so small, the problem was evident, which startled and worried Ayla’s parents, who are now 23 and 22 respectively.”I had never met anyone born with a macrostomia, and neither Blaize nor I knew about this condition,” Adelaide’s Vercher remarked. Thus, it came as a huge surprise.Not just the parents expressed surprise.
A baby with bilateral macrostomia was beyond the capabilities of even the medical professionals.The fact that it took hours for a doctor to respond to our questions made it much more concerning. She added that the hospital was also ignorant of this uncommon ailment. “As a mother, all I could focus on was my mistakes.”However, medical professionals informed the anxious parents that there was nothing more they could have done. Cristina was concerned that she might have erred during her pregnancy or contributed to her daughter’s illness.She remarked, “I couldn’t stop wondering where I might have made a mistake as a mother.” They were convinced, nevertheless, that they had no influence over this problem and that they were not to blame following days of genetic testing and scans.The Mucha family concentrated on assisting Ayla in managing her illness, which limits her food and drink options, comfortably. Babies with this illness occasionally require surgery to become better.Ayla’s parents posted her story on social media so that people may learn more about it. Around 6.5 million users enjoyed Ayla’s adorable smile on TikTok. The amount of support that the Muchas received shocked them.”I just looked it up, and there are only 14 cases like hers that are known,” a commenter said. She is truly unique. Mom, you ought to feel proud.Regarding Ayla’s smile, another internet user stated, “She is gorgeous and just perfect the way she is.” Her smile made me smile as well.But nasty things about Ayla were said by several people online. But Ayla’s supporters swiftly came to her aid.”Your daughter is stunningly gorgeous. Never pay attention to such nasty folks. One individual remarked, “She’s like an angel.” Someone else posted, “Oh my gosh! You’re quite adorable! Pay no attention to their hurtful remarks. You’re simply too cute.”You’re a strong mom, and your daughter is beautiful,” commented another commenter. I apologize for exposing you to those hurtful remarks.Vercher said, “I think it’s important to be kind and accept everyone, no matter what,” to the hurtful remarks made about her child.If she and her child were in a similar circumstance, she hoped that people would treat them with the same respect. Vercher said that anyone could experience similar circumstances. She added that since you have no control over what other people say on social media, it can be a difficult place.Vercher ignored the criticism in favor of highlighting the encouragement and kind remarks. “We’re really proud of ourselves, so we won’t stop sharing our experiences and favorite memories,” she remarked.
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