Olympics Disruption: Criticism of breakdancer Rachael Gunn – Raygun – condemned by Australian team
Australian Olympic great Anna Meares says it is “really disappointing” to be mocked on social media by a fellow skater over her routine and choice of outfit.
Rachael Gunn, 36, failed to convince the judges as she lost three round-robin competitions in breakdancing by a combined score of 54-0 on Friday.
The university lecturer – who competes under the name Raygun – wore a green and gold Australian Olympic tracksuit, while her competitors wore casual clothes as breakdancing made its Olympic debut.
In addition to criticizing her outfit, social media users also mocked the Australian artist’s performance, which saw her jumping around on stage like a kangaroo and sometimes doing handstands.
Explaining her performance, Gunn said: “I never wanted to beat these girls at what they do best, which is powerful and dynamic movement, so I wanted to move in a different way, artistic and creative because how many opportunities do you get in your life to do that on an international stage?
“I’ve always been the underdog and wanted to make my mark in a different way.”
Meares, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in cycling and captain of the Australian delegation in Paris, said of the criticism: “I think what happens on social media with trolls and keyboard warriors, and the recording of those comments and giving them airtime, is really disappointing.”
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Meares said: “I really love her courage. I love her character, and I feel very disappointed for her that she has to endure such criticism.”
