“Obviously, I was going to continue competing, but it seems so difficult right now to compete,” Gunn said.
Some say bullying builds character, and humiliated Australian breakdancer Rachel “Raygan” Gunn was forced to retire from breakdancing in retaliation for her performance at the Paris Olympics.
Gunn reportedly told Australian radio station 2DayFM this week that he “doesn't intend to compete anymore.” Al Jazeera.
Gunn's dance was mocked on social media through memes and derisive comments.
We think we've faded enough to declare which of the Ray Gunn The Australian Olympic Breakdancer green screen memes is the best. pic.twitter.com/aroSXi1IrS
— PauseForClaws (@PauseForClaws) August 14, 2024
The situation was so dire that the 37-year-old opted to remain in Europe rather than return Down Under with the other Australian athletes taking part in the Olympics.
The dancer, who is also an instructor, made his Olympic debut at the Place de la Concorde, losing all three round-robin matches by a combined score of 54-0.
Also read: Australian Olympic Committee defends Gunn as petition against breakdancer gains momentum
“It's still broken. But…'
After the Paris Olympics, a petition was launched by his compatriots suggesting that Mr Gunn represent Australia in breaking at the Olympics.
The petition was created on August 12 on the change.org platform and has garnered over 50,000 signatures.
Mr Gunn is accused of “manipulating the selection process in his favor” to ensure he was selected over more qualified female Australian breakers, a charge that “refers to the fairness and integrity of the process”. “It raises serious questions about sexuality.”
Post an Olympic meme (IRL) #Raygun pic.twitter.com/uBe1PfS2PE
— Rudy Willingham (@RudyWillingham) August 13, 2024
“We demand a public apology from Rachel Gunn and Anna Mears.” [sic] “For misleading the Australian public, attempting to gaslight the Australian public and undermining the efforts of real athletes,” the statement read.
We spoke a few months after the Olympics ended. Gunn said the backlash she faced made it difficult for her to compete in other breakdance battles.
“Of course I was going to continue competing, but now it seems so difficult to go into battle,” she said.
“Yeah, I mean, I still dance and I still take breaks, but it’s like being in my living room with my partner.
“I was really upset. I couldn't control how people saw me or who I was.”
ALSO READ: Australian breakdancer Ray Gun says 'sorry' about Olympic backlash
bullying
When the aforementioned petition was launched, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) described the petition as bullying.
AOC CEO Matt Carroll said the petition was “disgusting, misleading and bullying”.
Mr Carroll asserted: “No athlete who represented his country at the Olympics should be treated this way. At this time we stand with Dr. Gunn and Anna Mears.”
The CEO said AOC has sent a letter to change.org asking for the petition to be withdrawn immediately. The link to the petition is currently under review and is currently unavailable.
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