Breakdancer Raygun in Paris Olympics

Australia's Olympic chief, Anna Meares, has defended breakdancer Rachael Gunn, known as Raygun, against criticism following her performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she failed to score any points. Meares characterized the backlash as reflective of the misogynistic abuse that female athletes often face, emphasizing Gunn's courage in competing in a male-dominated sport. Despite being subjected to ridicule for both her performance and appearance, Meares praised Gunn as a beloved member of the Olympic team and the best female breakdancer in Australia. Gunn's struggles in the sport date back to 2008, when she faced significant challenges as the only woman in breakdancing. The criticism has sparked a debate among fans, with some dismissing claims of sexism and attributing the backlash to performance-related concerns. Meares highlighted the historical context, noting the significant increase in female representation in sports over the past century.