Broken Raygun in Australia

Rachael 'Raygun' Gunn, an Australian breakdancer and university lecturer, faced severe online trolling after her performances in the Olympic debut of breaking, where she lost all three of her round-robin battles by a score of 54-0. Australia's Chef de Mission, Anna Meares, publicly defended Gunn, expressing disappointment over the negative social media reactions and emphasizing the courage and creativity Gunn displayed on an international stage. Gunn's unique style, which included original moves such as 'the kangaroo,' has drawn criticism for not matching her competitors' more traditional power moves. Despite the backlash, Gunn remains resolute, stating, 'Don’t be afraid to be different, go out there and represent yourself.' Meares highlighted the historical context of women's participation in sports, noting that 100 years ago, no women represented Australia at the Olympics, in stark contrast to the 256 women competing now. This incident has sparked discussions about the treatment of female athletes and the ongoing challenges they face in gaining respect and recognition.