Raygun defends record as Australia’s best breakdancer

Australian Olympian Rachael Gunn has apologised to the nation’s breakdancing community for the “backlash” they have experienced following her controversial routine in Paris, which made headlines globally. Gunn, who competes as Raygun, was eliminated from the B-Girls competition with a score of zero, prompting ridicule and praise for her unorthodox style by users across social media. In her first sit-down interview since taking part in the Games – and amid questions over her qualification and performance – Gunn was asked if she genuinely thought she was Australia’s best female breakdancer. “I think my record speaks to that,” she told Network 10’s The Project. “It is really sad to hear those criticisms and I am very sorry for the backlash that the community has experienced, but I can’t control how people react,” she continued, addressing the flood of critiques her routine has garnered online. The 36-year-old university lecturer lost all three of her Olympic battles, with her green tracksuit and eccentric performance – which included the sprinkler move and kangaroo-inspired hopping – generating a sea of memes. In the aftermath of her performance, Gunn faced accusations that she had manipulated the selection process, including allegations that she had set up her...