Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, also known as Raygun, has finally spoken out after the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Raygun’s breakdancing routine went viral after she received zero points in all three rounds she competed in. The video of her performance spread quickly, making her famous for the wrong reasons. There’s even an online petition demanding that Gunn apologize for her performance.
Until now, Raygun hadn’t said anything about what happened, but she recently addressed the situation on Instagram. In a two-and-a-half-minute video, she shared that she was “devastated by the hate” she received.
In her video, Gunn thanked the people who supported her during the Paris Games, but also talked honestly about the online abuse she’s faced. She said she didn’t expect that the “joy she brought” to people would also lead to people making fun of her routine.
According to ESPN, over 40,000 people have signed a petition accusing Gunn of “manipulating” the Olympic qualification process.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 09: B-Girl Raygun of Team Australia competes during the B-Girls Round Robin – Group B on day fourteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Place de la Concorde on August 09, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
In her Instagram video, Raygun thanked everyone who supported her, saying, “I really appreciate the positivity, and I’m glad I could bring some joy into your lives. That’s what I hoped for.”
However, she admitted that she didn’t expect the hate that followed. “I didn’t realize that would also open the door to so much hate, which has been pretty devastating. But I went out there and had fun,” she said.
Raygun also responded to questions about her commitment, making it clear that she worked hard to prepare for the Olympics. “I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics, and I gave it my all. I’m honored to have been part of the Australian team and Australia’s breaking debut. What the other athletes achieved is phenomenal,” she said.
The 36-year-old also addressed false information that’s been spreading online since her performance in Paris. One rumor claimed that she only made the Australian Olympic team because her husband was a national selector and a judge at a qualifying event. This rumor has been proven to be completely false.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) condemned the online petition against her, with AOC boss Matt Carroll writing to the petition’s website to demand its immediate removal.
What did you think of Rachael Gunn’s breakdancing routine? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Paul Walker’s daughter has matured and is paying tribute to her father’s legacy in a meaningful way
It’s hard to fathom that eleven years have passed since Paul Walker’s untimely death. The beloved actor, best known for his role in the Fast and Furious series, tragically lost his life in a car accident in November 2013 when his Porsche Carrera GT collided with a pole and burst into flames.
Walker’s passing devastated fans worldwide and left a profound sense of grief for his family, including his fiancée, Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell, and his daughter, Meadow Rain Walker, whom he shared with Rebecca McBrain.
At the time of her father’s death, Meadow was just 15, an incredibly tough age to endure such a loss. While there’s never an ideal time to lose a parent, navigating that grief during the tumultuous teenage years must have been an especially heavy burden to carry. Despite the challenges, Meadow has shown remarkable resilience in the face of her father’s passing. Now 25, she is undoubtedly making her father proud.
From a young age, it was clear that Paul Walker was destined for a career in entertainment. Born in 1973, he began acting as a child in the ’70s and ’80s before gaining recognition for his role on the soap opera The Young and the Restless. His career continued to flourish with performances in films like the 2001 thriller Joy Ride, but it was his iconic role as Brian O’Connor in the first Fast and Furious movie that truly catapulted him to fame.
Walker reprised this role several times as the franchise exploded in popularity, solidifying his status as a leading action star. His unexpected death at the age of 40 shocked fans and colleagues alike, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from co-stars like Vin Diesel and Tyrese Gibson. Meanwhile, Jasmine and Meadow had to grapple with the sudden loss of a partner and father.
While we can only imagine the pain felt by Jasmine Pilchard-Gosnell and Meadow Rain Walker, it’s clear that Meadow has worked hard to honor her father’s memory.
In the years following his death, Meadow matured significantly. She completed high school and immediately dedicated herself to various projects, including the launch of the Paul Walker Foundation, using part of her inheritance to establish it.
The foundation aims to safeguard our oceans, wildlife, and ultimately ourselves. Its website describes it as “an enduring light of Paul’s unique spirit, far-reaching goals, and spontaneous goodwill”.
Reports indicate that Meadow, who is also pursuing her studies, continues to manage the foundation with the support of her godfather and Paul’s longtime friend, Vin Diesel. It truly warms my heart to see Meadow carrying forward her father’s legacy of kindness and compassion. I can only imagine how proud he would be of her efforts.
Does anyone else miss Paul Walker? The Fast and Furious films just don’t feel the same without him! Rest in peace, Paul, 1973-2013. Thank you for all the cherished memories.
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