Rachael Gunn took part in breaking at the 2024 Paris Olympics [PC: Instagram]

Australian Olympic Committee defends Rachael Gunn after allegations of manipulated selection process for Paris Olympics 2024

Modified Aug 15, 2024 05:36 GMT

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has come out in strong defense of Rachael Gunn following allegations of a manipulated selection process for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Breakdancing made its debut at the Summer Games this month and the most viewed and discussed performance was not by a medallist but by Gunn, who goes by B-Girl Raygun for the event.

She became infamous after a routine that included a backward roll, the sprinkler, and other moves. Her routine attracted a lot of criticism and saw her finish 16th in the competition.

With the event done and dusted, rumors broke out that Gunn unfairly obtained her spot on Team Australia. Fans online have alleged that Gunn's husband Samuel Free may have been part of the selection panel for Australia's representatives. Another online petition has accused Australia's Chef de Mission Anna Meares of manipulating the selection process.

With the rumors gaining traction, AOC has released an official statement defending Gunn and the selection process for the Paris Olympics.

"The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has condemned an anonymous online petition attacking Australian Olympic Team member, breaking competitor Rachael Gunn as vexatious, misleading and bullying," it said.

AOC Chief Executive Officer Matt Carroll said that all rumors about Meares were baseless.

"The AOC is particularly offended by the affront to our Chef de Mission, Anna Meares. 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," she said.

AOC calls all attempts to discredit Rachael Gunn and the organization amount to bullying and harassment

Rachael Gunn secured her spot in the Paris Olympics by winning the Oceania Breaking Championships (OBC) held in Sydney in October last year. It was organized by AUSBreaking and DanceSport Australia and saw the best breakers from Australia and New Zealand take part in the event.

With rumors spreading about Gunn's selection and the Australian Olympic Committee's integrity, the organization has stated that it amounts to bullying and harassment.

"It is disgraceful that these falsehoods concocted by an anonymous person can be published in this way. It amounts to bullying and harassment and is defamatory," it said in its statement.

OBC holds an important place in the breaking calendar as it serves as an Olympic qualifying event. Gunn’s victory in the B-girl category gave her not only the gold medal but also confirmed her sport in the sport's debut at the Summer Games.