Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn, the Australian breakdancer who made headlines for her performance at the Paris Olympics, has expressed regret for the backlash her performance received. Gunn, whose routine included a move mimicking a kangaroo hopping, became a subject of widespread ridicule, sparking criticism and even parodies from late-night US television host Jimmy Fallon.
In an interview with Australia’s Channel 10, Gunn addressed the controversy, stating she was sorry for the negative impact her performance had on the breakdancing community. She acknowledged the criticism and explained that she was not prepared for the viral attention her performance received.
“I think my record speaks to that,” Gunn said when asked if she was Australia’s best female breakdancer. Despite losing all three of her matches, Gunn maintained that she was the best breaker in Australia and had prepared extensively for the Olympics.
“As soon as I qualified, I was like, oh my gosh, what have I done? Because I knew that I was going to get beaten, and I knew that people were not going to understand my style and what I was going to do,” Gunn admitted.
While she anticipated some negative feedback, the intensity of the backlash caught her off guard. “It was really sad to hear the negative reaction to my performance. And I am very sorry for the backlash that the community has experienced, but I can’t control how people react,” she explained.
Gunn emphasized her dedication and effort, stating, “I went out there and I had fun. I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and I gave my all.”
Despite the criticism, Gunn received support from fellow Australian Olympians and even the Australian Prime Minister. While some ridiculed her performance, others recognized her passion and commitment to the sport.
