The Paris Olympics have come to an end. During the games, there were several controversies and scandals. The “heroine” of one of them was Rachael Gunn, a 36-year-old university lecturer who represented Australia in the breakdance debut at the event. However, she did not score a single point, and her performance is the talk of the world. All because it was quite clumsy.
The athlete presented unusual movements. – I wanted to move differently, to be unique. (…) Creativity is extremely important to me. I go out there and show my craft. I do my thing and represent art. That's what it's all about – she said after the show. But it didn't go down well with internet users, who criticized and ridiculed her harshly. “How did she manage to qualify for this competition?” they asked.
Rachael Gunn's Strong Post-Olympic Declaration: “It's a Great Honor” And Suddenly She Touched on Hate
There is even a petition online addressed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in which the signatories raise many accusations against the Australian, including that she was admitted to the games unfairly.“We demand a public apology from Rachel Gunn and Anna Mears (head of the Australian Olympic delegation – editor's note) for misleading the Australian public and attempting to deceive the public and undermine the efforts of real athletes” – we read in the petition.
The Australian has been inactive on social media for many days, but has finally spoken out. She assured that she did not take the games lightly, but that she had really prepared for them. “I took them very seriously. I worked hard and really gave it my all. It was a great honor for me to be part of the Australian team.” representation Olympic – she emphasized in the recording published on Instagram.
She also addressed the hate that fell on her after the games. It turns out that it was huge, something that the athlete herself did not expect and was not ready for. – I want to thank everyone who supported me. I really appreciate it and I'm glad that I managed to bring some joy to your lives. That was my goal. However, I did not think that it would also open the door to so much hatred, which, to be honest, was very devastating for me – she began.
Gunn makes a strong appeal to the media
Then she appealed to journalists to change their behavior and leave her and her family alone. It seems that she is not able to return to the country now and needs to gain some distance, which is why she informed that she will spend the next few days in Europe– I have a request for the press. Stop harassing my family and friends, and the Australian breakdance community or dance community. They've really been through a lot because of this – she added.
Gunn is a decorated breaking athlete. She was named the best female athlete in this discipline in Australia in 2020-21. What's more, she also reached the Oceania Championship in 2023. However, her “performance” at the games left much to be desired.