Joe McConnell
Rachael “Raygun” Gunn took social media by storm when she competed at the 2024 Olympics.
The breakdancer, an Australian university lecturer with a PhD in cultural studies, was the target of hateful comments from internet trolls after her viral performance during the sport’s Olympic debut on August 9, in which she lost all three of her B-Girl round-robin battles. And Australia’s Olympic chief wasn’t having it.
“I love Rachael,” mission leader Anna Meares he said of the 36-year-old at a press conference on Aug. 10, according to Reuters. “And I think what’s happened on social media with the trolls and the keyboard warriors, and the fact that they’ve taken those comments and given them space, has been really disappointing.”
The official continued, “Raygun is an absolutely beloved member of this Olympic team. She represented the Olympic team, the Olympic spirit with great enthusiasm. And I absolutely love her courage. I love her character, and I feel very disappointed for her, that she was attacked the way she was.”
