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.
Dolly Parton says she will no longer be touring and instead will spend time at home with her husband
Country music legend Dolly Parton, 77, recently revealed she’s retiring from touring but remains committed to creating music. In an interview, she stated, “I have no intention of going on a full-blown tour anymore.” Despite her decision, Parton plans occasional special shows and festivals. The iconic singer, who rose from poverty in the Appalachian Mountains, emphasizes her focus on spending quality time with her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, after 50 years of marriage.
Parton shares insights into her life, revealing how she met Dean outside a laundromat in 1964. The couple married in 1966, celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2016, and recently renewed their vows. Parton expresses the importance of staying close to home as they age.
She also discloses her venture into rock ‘n’ roll, inspired by her husband’s musical taste, and discusses her NBC special, “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic holiday.” Additionally, Parton collaborates with Reese Witherspoon on the film “Run, Rose, Run,” adapted from her novel co-written with James Patterson.
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