Reports of a 'Scandal' are Debunked but She's Still Receiving 'Devastating' Hate. LEAVE RAYGUN ALONE!!!
In one of the many moments of imparted wisdom that have helped guide me on my lifelong path to enlightenment, one of my beloved brothers once shared with me his "Bucket o' Crabs Theory" of life. How, when one crab manages to crawl up and over the backs of the lesser crabs to reach the rim of a bucket and win its crabby freedom, the others will reach up with their claws, grab it by the back legs, yank it down, and try to scramble up its back.
For those of you who are metaphorically impaired, the point he was making was that this is how people act to each other. And nothing that's happened since it was taught that lesson has suggested he was wrong. Not even remotely. And the latest example is what we are doing to that international treasure, Australian Breakdance champion and true artist, Raygun.
Not here, mind you. I think I can say without fear of contradiction that Barstool has been largely supportive of this Olympian. She's been the People's Champion as far as we're concerned. I know that when it was announced the Sport of Queens was not being brought back for LA 2028, I was fine with the decision because no other performance could ever approach hers:
What we witnessed in Raygun's performance was perfection. Zero-point-zero points would likely never be achieved again. All future dancers would be struggling in vain to equal her score and find it impossible. In the way generations chased Bob Beamon's Long Jump record from Mexico City, 1968. So it's oddly comforting to know no one will ever take the stage again. And the greatest moment in the short history of the sport can live for eternity.
And have continued to celebrate her elsewhere:
But the rest of the crabs? Not so much. The resentment for her international fame has only increased since the Closing Ceremonies. From widely circulated reports of a "scandal," claiming she and her husband took over Australia's Breakdancing Qualifiers for their own benefit. All of which have been Community Noted into the Kuiper Belt:
And thoroughly debunked:
AusBreak.org - The selection process for Australia's Breaking team heading to Paris was conducted over two days, and open to all interested participants in the Oceanic region. Adhering to World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) regulations, which align with International Olympic Committee (IOC) standards, the process aimed to ensure a fair and transparent outcome. …
A panel of 9 international adjudicators … are all highly respected in their respective communities and in the international Breaking scene.
Ultimately, Rachael Gunn and Jeff Dunne emerged as the top performers in exactly the same process, securing their spots to represent Australia in Paris. Their selection was based solely on their performance in their battles on that day.
In the leadup to Paris, Raygun used her platform as the Australian Breaking representative to consistently advocate in the media for Breaking’s history, artistic and athletic values, and its cultural origins.
We condemn the global online harassment and bullying of Raygun. The pressure to perform on the Olympic stage is immense, especially against the opponents in her particular group. We stand in solidarity with Raygun.
As do I, AusBreak.org. As do all right-thinking people.
But unfortunately a little thing like the most revered and respected Breakdancing organization in Australia protesting Raygun and Mr. Raygun's innocence, but reporting they upheld the highest standards of the sport and tirelessly promoted its proud history, artistic and athletic values and its cultural origins isn't enough to get all the little crustaceans to put their claws away:
“I just want to start out by thanking all the people who have supported me. I really appreciate the positivity and I’m glad I was able to bring some joy into your life. That’s what I hoped. I didn’t realize that would also open the door to so much hate, which frankly has been pretty devastating.”
“When I went out there I had fun. I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics. I gave my all, truly. I am honored to have been a part of the Australian Olympic team and been a part of Breaking’s Olympic debut.”
"A part of Breaking's Olympic debut"? Far be it for me to contradict the sport's royalty, but Mrs. Gun, you did much more than that. You put the sport on the map. You made it an integral part of the international conversation. In ways no other competitor could. Moreover, you were THE part of it's debut, and it's finale, since the small minds at the IOC can't see what a gold mine they have on their hands. Their fault, not yours.
So do not give in to the hate. Never let the bastards drag you down. Keep on dancing. Keep doing your signature epileptic writhing on the floor thing that won hearts all over the world:
And above all, keep consistently advocating for Breaking in the media. You're not some fad. You're not some Down Under version of Hawk Tuah Girl no one will remember six weeks from now. You won't just be some Halloween costume that'll only work this year and then get thrown away. Your legend will live on forever. But that doesn't mean you need to fade away. There is still much work to be done.