Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn says she took her participation in the Paris Olympics “very seriously” – and has hit out at “devastating” abuse she has suffered for her routine.
Gunn performed under the name Raygun in the inaugural breakdancing competition – and went viral for the dance moves in her routine, which included one dubbed the “kangaroo dance”.
The 36-year-old Sydney university professor failed to score a single point and was heavily criticised, with parodies of her performance even played out on late-night TV in the US.
Online criticism has included allegations that the Oceania qualifying event, held in Sydney last October, was set up to favour Gunn, and it questioned the judging which allowed her to qualify.
Meanwhile, Australian Olympic bosses have hit out at a “misleading and bullying” petition signed by more than 50,000 which criticises Gunn.
In a self-shot video on Instagram, Gunn said the reaction to her entry was “pretty devastating” and called on the media to “stop harassing my family and friends”.
Read more from Sky News:
Swift returns to UK for first shows since terror plot
Gonorrhoea could become ‘untreatable’
Girl stabbed in Leicester Square was tourist
Raygun: Australian Olympic Committee criticises anonymous online petition targeting breaking athlete
Child rapist beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde admits he nearly quit Paris Olympics
Olympic medallist Noah Williams opens up on mental health struggle – and says he might not return to diving
She said: “I just want to start by thanking all the people who have supported me – 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 realise that that would also open the door to so much hate, which has frankly been pretty devastating.
“Well I went out there and I had fun. I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics. I gave my all – truly. I’m honoured to have been a part of the Australian Olympic team.”
