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Raygun vows never to compete in Olympics again after intense backlash and scrutiny
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Raygun vows never to compete in Olympics again after intense backlash and scrutiny

Rachael “Raygun” Gunn says she will be ending her professional career.

The Australian dancer said she was met with “scrutiny” following her Olympic debut in August, which made dancing “really difficult”.

Gunn, 37, announced his retirement after going viral with the breakdancing style he brought to the streets of Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Rachel “Raygun” Gunn speaks on Australia’s 2DayFM “The Jimmy and Nath Show” on November 6, 2024. Instagram / @jimmyandnathshow

“I still break, but I don’t compete. I’m not competing anymore,” Gunn said on Australia’s 2DayFM “The Jimmy and Nath Show” Wednesday.

“Dancing is a lot of fun and makes you feel good, and I don’t think people should feel bad about the way they dance,” she told the radio show.

Gunn says he’s still hurt, but it’s only become “really hard” for him when he’s at home with his wife.

The Olympian blamed the expected level of publicity and everyone’s opinion of his unorthodox techniques as reasons that led to his retirement.

“I think the level of scrutiny that will be there and the people who will film it will be online,” he said. “It won’t mean the same thing. “It won’t be the same experience because of everything at stake.”

Raygun shows off her Kangaroo move during the B-Girls Round Robin at Place de la Concorde on August 9, 2024. Getty Images
The Olympian blamed the expected level of publicity and everyone’s opinion of his unorthodox techniques as reasons that led to his retirement. AFP via Getty Images

Gunn showcased unique moves such as spinning on his head, rolling onto his back and creating an explosion in three round-robin matches. Movement called “Kangaroo” A tribute to Australia’s national animal.

Gunn finished the Olympics with zero points, causing people to question how he qualified for Paris in the first place.

After their viral performance, rumors started to spread on the internet with conspiracy theories One claimed it was a trap to rig the Games.

Gunn says he’s still hurt, but it’s only become “really hard” for him when he’s at home with his wife. Getty Images
In his three round-robin matches, Gunn showed off his unique moves, such as spinning overhead and rolling onto his back. Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Raygun called the theories “completely crazy” and “impossible to process.”

“It was really sad because I felt like I had no control over how people saw me or who I was,” she said.

Despite the many hateful and negative messages she received, she was also overwhelmed by the positive messages she received from her fans.

Following their viral performance, rumors of conspiracy theories began to spread online, with one suggesting it was a set-up to rig the Games. Getty Images

“It was really sad but I’m just trying to stay positive,” she said. “That’s what gets me through. People who say, ‘You inspired me to go out there and do something I was too shy to do.’ ‘You bought joy, you bought laughter, we are so proud of you.’”

“There are so many beautiful things that people have written, and that’s what I’m holding on to.”

Gunn told his fans not to let anyone talk them out of doing what they love and owning it.

“So if you get out there and have fun on the dance floor, then own it.”