Australian officials are facing backlash over a series of misleading stories surrounding breaking competitor Rachael Gunn, also known as Raygun.
The Australian Olympic Committee has condemned an online petition targeting Gunn, calling it “vexatious, misleading, and bullying.” The controversy arose after Gunn’s performance at the recent Paris Games, where she scored zero points and faced heavy criticism for her routine.
Gunn, a 36-year-old Sydney university professor, received support from Australian team chef de mission Anna Meares during her time in Paris. However, the AOC has now stepped in to address the false narratives circulating online.
Chief executive officer Matt Carroll has demanded the removal of a petition on change.org that accuses Gunn of manipulating the Olympic qualification process. Over 40,000 people have signed the petition, prompting the AOC to take action.
In response to the online criticism, the AOC clarified that Gunn’s qualification for the Olympics was transparent and independent, following the rules set by the World DanceSport Federation. The judging panel for the qualifying event was also selected independently.
Contrary to social media rumors, Gunn does not hold any official positions within Australian breaking organizations. She is simply an athlete who competed and won the qualifying event fair and square.
Despite the controversy, Gunn remains resilient, sharing a video to address the hate she has received. The AOC stands firmly against the bullying and harassment Gunn has faced, emphasizing that no athlete should be treated in such a manner.
As breaking may not return in future Olympic Games, the focus now shifts to supporting athletes like Gunn and ensuring fair competition in the world of sports.
