Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, aka Raygun, mentioned the backlash following her Paris Olympics efficiency was devastating.
Requesting privateness for her family and friends on an Instagram submit on Thursday, B-girl Raygun mentioned: “I actually recognize the positivity, and I’m glad I used to be in a position to convey some pleasure into your lives. That’s what I hoped.”
With breaking making its Olympic debut on the Paris Video games, Gunn got here beneath the highlight after her performances went viral on social media following a ‘Kangaroo’ transfer throughout one of many rounds.
The 36-year-old Raygun, a college professor from Sydney, didn’t obtain any factors through the three round-robin battles within the competitors.
“I didn’t realise that that may additionally open the door to a lot hate which has, frankly, been fairly devastating.
“Effectively, I went on the market and I had enjoyable — I did take it very significantly. I labored my butt off making ready for the Olympics and I gave my all. Actually,” Gunn mentioned.
Earlier on Thursday, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) had condemned a web based petition demanding investigation into Gunn’s choice for the Paris Olympics. AOC chief government Matt Carroll mentioned the petition had “stirred up public hatred with none factual foundation”.
Carroll additionally said that Gunn had been “chosen by means of a clear and impartial qualification occasion and nomination course of”.
A change.org on-line petition that demanded Gunn’s apology had collected greater than 50,000 signatures earlier than an intervention from AOC struck it down from the web site on Friday.
In the meantime, Gunn requested for privateness, saying: “I’d actually prefer to ask the press to please cease harassing my household, my buddies, the Australian breaking neighborhood and the broader avenue dance neighborhood. Everybody has been by means of so much on account of this, so I ask you to please respect their privateness.”
Breaking is not going to be part of the sports activities programme for the 2028 Los Angeles Video games.