WATCH: Australian breakdancer responds to 'devastating' criticism: 'So much hate'
Australia's first-ever (and most viral) Olympic break-dancer Rachael Gunn (36) failed to win over the judges, attaining no points for her performance and much criticism from internet users.
Lester Kiewit speaks to Katie Macdonald about trending stories from The Pacific.
Australia's first-ever (and most viral) Olympic break-dancer Rachael Gunn (36) failed to win over the judges as she lost her three round-robin contests in the competitive form of breakdancing, scoring no points.
RELATED: WATCH: Australian breakdancer goes viral at Olympics for 'really bad' performance
The university dance lecturer - who competed under the name Raygun - wore a green and yellow Australian Olympic tracksuit, while her rivals were kitted out in streetwear as breaking made its debut as a Games event.
The Sydney University professor was heavily criticised, with her performance turned into parodies and memes.
@missdoublebay We must protect her at all costs 🐐 #olympics #breakdance #australia #paris2024 #raygun #aussie #bringiton #bgirl #dance ♬ original sound - Miss Double Bay
@jen_kennedy_ Cant get over the Australian breakdancing at the olympics 😆 #raygun #breakdancing #2024olympics ♬ original sound - I Green Screen Things
@chilling.with.marko #Meme #MemeCut #CapCut #fyp #foryou #newvideo #kitchen #cockroach #olympics2024 #australia #nz #usa #sports #breakdance #comedy ♬ original sound - I Green Screen Things
In a recent post on Instagram, the Olympic participant responded to the criticism she has received.
Gunn said the reaction to her entry was 'pretty devastating' and called on the media to 'stop harassing my family and friends'.
"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. While I went out there and had fun, I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics. I gave my all - truly," she continued.
Australian Olympic bosses have put out a 'misleading and bullying' petition signed by more than 50 000 people, criticising Gunn.
The Australian Olympic Committee's (AOC) chief executive officer Matt Carroll said the petition 'contained numerous falsehoods' and amounted to 'bullying and harassment and is defamatory'.
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