Australian breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn has spoken out against the online criticism of her recent Olympic performance.
“Hi everyone. Raygun here. I just want to start by thanking all the people who have supported me,” she began in the video. “I really appreciate the positivity, and I’m glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives, that’s what I hoped.”
“I didn’t realize that that would also open the door to so much hate, which has, frankly, been pretty devastating,” she continued.
The petition alleged Gunn manipulated the selection process and demanded an apology from her and Meares, head of the Australian Olympic Team, and a “full investigation” into the selection procedure.
Gunn said in Thursday’s video that while she “had fun,” she took the competition “very seriously.”
“I worked my butt off, preparing for the Olympics, and I gave my all, truly,” she said. “I’m honored to have been a part of the Australian Olympic Team and to be part of breaking’s Olympic debut.”
The Olympian announced that she would be in Europe for a few weeks and delivered a final message to the press.
“I’d really like to ask the press to please stop harassing my family, my friends, the Australian Breaking community, and the broader street dance community,” she said. “Everyone has been through a lot, as a result of this, so I ask you to please respect their privacy.
“I’ll be happy to answer more questions on my return to Australia, thanks everyone,” she concluded.
Following the severe backlash toward Gunn, organizations have come to the breakdancer’s defense.
“No athlete who has represented their country at the Olympic Games should be treated in this way and we are supporting Dr Gunn and Anna Meares at this time,” Carroll said.
“We condemn the global online harassment and bullying of Raygun. The pressure to perform on the Olympic stage is immense, especially against the opponents in her particular group.”