16-8-2024 (SYDNEY) In a heartfelt video message, Rachael Gunn, the Australian breaker whose unconventional routine at the Paris Olympics sparked widespread controversy, has broken her silence on the public reaction to her performance.
The 36-year-old Sydney-based university professor took to Instagram to express her gratitude for the support she received whilst also revealing the emotional toll of the negative backlash.
“I’m appreciative of the positivity I’ve received,” Gunn stated, her voice tinged with emotion. “However, I never anticipated that my performance would open the floodgates to such intense criticism. The experience has been utterly devastating.”
Gunn, whose routine featured a distinctive ‘kangaroo dance’ alongside other unorthodox moves, emphasised her dedication to the sport. “I approached this opportunity with the utmost seriousness,” she asserted. “Months of rigorous training went into preparing for the Olympics. I gave it my all, truly.”
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The breaker also addressed the swirling controversy surrounding her qualification and performance. She refuted claims about the scoring system, stating, “There are actually no points in breaking.” Gunn went on to debunk rumours about her and her husband, fellow breaker Samuel Free, allegedly holding positions within Australian breaking organisations.
The backlash against Gunn’s performance had reached such proportions that a petition criticising her routine garnered over 40,000 signatures before being removed from Change.org.
In response to the growing controversy, the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) issued a statement defending the integrity of the qualification process. AOC CEO Matt Carroll condemned the spread of misinformation, stating, “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 added, “No athlete who has represented their country at the Olympic Games should be treated in this way.”
Gunn concluded her video with a plea to the media and public, requesting respect for the privacy of her family, friends, and the broader breaking community. “Everyone has been profoundly affected by this situation,” she said, her voice wavering. “I implore you to respect their privacy.”
The future of breaking as an Olympic sport remains uncertain. While it made its debut in Paris, it is notably absent from the competition list for Los Angeles 2028 and is unlikely to feature in Brisbane 2032.
