Olympic Committee Requests Removal of 50,000-Signer Petition Against ‘Raygun’
Gunn’s performance at the Paris Olympics sparked controversy and became a topic of discussion due to her unconventional moves.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has reached out to change.org to request the removal of a petition against break-dancer Rachel Gunn, also known as “Raygun,” who gained viral fame with her Paris 2024 performance.
As of 6 p.m. on Aug. 15, the petition titled “Hold Raygun Rachel Gunn and Anna Mears Accountable for Unethical Conduct Olympic Selection” had gathered 50,147 signatures.
Gunn’s performance at the Paris Olympics drew controversy and became a talking point due to her unconventional moves and a lack of recognized break-dancing maneuvers.
The petition lists several accusations against dancer Gunn, such as setting up her own governing body for breakdancing, overlooking more talented Australian dancers, and being involved in denying funding to a group of dancers from the Northern Territory.
Additionally, it states that Gunn won her self-organized qualifier, and her husband and fellow break-dancer, Samuel Free, was part of the selection panel.
The petition demands an apology from Raygun and Australia’s Chef de Mission Anna Mears, along with an investigation into Raygun’s actions.
The AOC’s Response
AOC CEO Matt Carroll denounced the petition, calling it out for containing “numerous falsehoods.”
“The AOC is particularly offended by the affront to our Chef de Mission, Anna Meares,” he expressed.
He clarified, “The Australian Team Chef de Mission played no role in the qualification events nor the nomination of athletes to the AOC Selection Committee, of which the Chef and I are members.”
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Carroll labeled the petition as bullying and harassment and expressed worries about false claims being spread online by an anonymous individual.
The petition’s author is identified only as “someone who hates corruption.”
The AOC has refuted the claims made in the petition.
According to the organizing committee, the Oceania event where Gunn qualified for the Olympics followed the Olympic qualification system, with judges from an independent and international panel who traveled to Australia.
Athletes from Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji participated in the event.
The AOC clarified that Gunn did not hold any position with AUSBreaking or DanceSport Australia but was simply an athlete who competed and won.
The response also mentions that Gunn had no role in funding decisions in the sport.
Her husband, Samuel Free, did not judge Gunn’s qualifying event and did not have positions in AUSBreaking or DanceSport Australia.
Meares was not involved in the selection process.
The AOC also denied widespread claims that Gunn received federal funding, confirming that she did not.
The AOC entirely funded the Australian team’s Paris campaign, and no taxpayer funds were requested.
“No athlete who has represented their country at the Olympic Games should be treated in this way, and we stand by Dr. Gunn and Anna Meares at this time,” Carroll concluded.
