Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn gained involuntary fame on social media with her unusual moves at the Olympic Games in Paris. She was met with a lot of ridicule after many were irritated by her performance. Now she has spoken out for the first time about the hate she received online.
In an Instagram video, the 36-year-old said that the reactions she faced were “pretty devastating.” “I’m glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives,” Gunn said. “I didn’t realize that would also open the door to so much hate.” It was devastating.
She took the competition very seriously, she continued in her video. “I worked my butt off to prepare for the Olympics and I really gave it my all.”
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Australian woman rolled on the floor at the Olympics
At the Olympic breaking premiere, Gunn rolled around on the floor or hopped like a kangaroo. In her home country, she is a scientist and gives lectures. Many people on social media were amused by her rather unusual and simple style. After her performance, misinformation spread, explained Gunn.
The Australian Olympic Team (AOC) condemned an anonymous online petition attacking Gunn as “annoying, misleading and bullying.” Gunn was simply an athlete who took part in and won the qualifying event.
