Raygun, Viral Breaking Olympian, Says Online Hate Has Been ‘Pretty Devastating’: ’I Worked My Butt Off’
Mar. 15, 2025Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn.Photo:Cameron Spencer/Getty
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Cameron Spencer/Getty
Raygunis speaking out after receiving online hate.
“I didn’t realize that that would also open the door to so much hate which has frankly been pretty devastating,” she continued. “While, I went out there and I had fun, I did take it very seriously.”
Raygun, who went viral during herbreakingcompetition on Aug. 9, added, “I worked my butt off, preparing for the Olympics and I gave my all truly. I’m honored to have been a part of the Australian Olympic Team and to be part of breaking’s Olympic debut.”
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Raygun of Team Australia.Elsa/Getty
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Elsa/Getty
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On Tuesday, Australian breaking organizationAUSBreakslammed claimsthat Raygun manipulated the Olympics’ selection process, adding that they “stand in solidarity” with her.
Raygun of Australia.John Walton/PA Images via Getty
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John Walton/PA Images via Getty
Meanwhile, after Reddit users alleged that Raygun and her husband and coach, Samuel Free, were founders of the Australian Breaking Association involved in the selection process, Australian news outlet theSydney Morning Heraldconfirmed Lowe Napalan, another Australian breaking champion, was the founder.
In her video statement, Raygun said that she would be in Europe “for a few weeks” thanks to having pre-planned downtime.
“But I’d really like to ask the press to please stop harassing my family, my friends, the Australian Breaking community and the broader street dance community,” she added. “Everyone has been through a lot, as a result of this, so I ask you to please respect their privacy. I’ll be happy to answer more questions on my return to Australia, thanks everyone.”
source: people.com
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