Australia’s female Olympic breakdancer, who goes by Raygun, made headlines for all the wrong reasons after she competed in the event in Paris.
The 36-year-old is has a PhD in cultural studies with a focus on breakdance history. She wrote her thesis on Sydney’s breakdancing scene, but her practical skills resulted in mockery after she received zero votes in her Olympic event.
According to NBC News:
The 36-year-old B-girl, who performs as Raygun, responded to the intense and relentless online criticism in a short video message posted Thursday on Instagram.
She began by thanking her supporters.
“I really appreciate the positivity and I’m glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives,” she said. “That’s what I’d hoped.”
Gunn said she didn’t realize that would also “open the door to so much hate, which has frankly been pretty devastating.”
Social media memes and skits re-creating her dance exploded on the internet after clips of her routine went viral. One move in particular — where Gunn holds her arms close to her body and kicks one leg in the air as she leans back — was quickly dubbed the “kangaroo” in reference to her native country.
Gunn said in her post on Thursday that she “had fun” with her routine, but took it very seriously.
“I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and I gave my all, truly. I’m honored to have been a part of the Australian Olympic team and part of breaking’s Olympic debut,” she said.
Australian Olympic Committee Chief Executive Officer Matt Carroll also defended the dancer against allegations that she cheated her way into being chosen for the event.
“It is disgraceful that these falsehoods concocted by an anonymous person can be published in this way. It amounts to bullying and harassment and is defamatory.” Carroll said.
Martin Gilian, the head judge of the Olympic breaking competition, said that Raygun “did her best” but “her level was maybe not as high as the other competitors.”