Australian Olympic Athlete Faces Online Backlash

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) is speaking out against an online petition that targets breakdancer Rachael Gunn, affectionately known as ‘Raygun‘. This petition has been causing quite a stir, urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the AOC to hold Gunn and Chef de Mission Anna Meares accountable for alleged unethical conduct in Gunn’s selection for the Olympics.

AOC chief executive Matt Carroll has stepped in, writing to Change.org to demand the petition’s immediate withdrawal. He described it as bullying, harassment, and defamatory, claiming it spreads false information aimed at inciting hatred against Gunn. According to Carroll, Gunn was selected through a transparent process involving an independent qualification event.

Carroll emphasized that Meares played no role in either the qualification events or the nomination of athletes. He expressed utmost disappointment over how anonymous attacks can proliferate online, stating, «It’s disgraceful that these falsehoods concocted by an anonymous person can be published in this way.»

Regarding the breakdancing selection, the qualifying event took place in Sydney in October 2023 under guidelines set by the World DanceSport Federation. Nine independent judges were flown in to ensure a fair process. The AOC confirmed that Gunn won the Oceania Breaking Championship fairly and was properly nominated by DanceSport Australia.

Many of the claims in the petition are serious, stating that Gunn set up her own governing body for breakdancing and manipulated the selection in her favor. The petition even names other notable breakdancers who allegedly were overlooked during the selection.

Additionally, the petition raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, claiming that Gunn’s husband is a coach and part of the selection panel. The AOC has strongly denied these claims, asserting that Gunn has no role in funding decisions and received no federal funding for her participation in the Olympics.

The AOC stated that it solely funded the $25 million expense for sending athletes to Paris, ensuring taxpayer money was not at stake. This situation continues to underline how the selection process and athlete scrutiny are affecting the Olympic landscape.