Defending Courage: Anna Meares Stands by Rachael Gunn Amidst Breakdancing Backlash

Australia's Chef de Mission, Anna Meares, defended breakdancer Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, after online and media criticism of her Olympic debut in Paris. Despite losing her battles, Gunn’s character and representation of the Olympic spirit were celebrated by Meares, who highlighted historical and ongoing misogyny faced by female athletes.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 10-08-2024 18:12 IST | Created: 10-08-2024 18:12 IST
Defending Courage: Anna Meares Stands by Rachael Gunn Amidst Breakdancing Backlash

Australia's Chef de Mission, Anna Meares, has come to the defense of breakdancer Rachael Gunn following widespread criticism of her performance at the sport's debut in the Paris Games.

Gunn, known in the breaking world as B-Girl Raygun, faced harsh scrutiny online and in the media after losing all three of her round-robin battles. Meares, speaking at a news conference, expressed disappointment over the negative comments, emphasizing Gunn's importance to the Olympic team and her embodiment of Olympic values.

Meares drew attention to the historical and ongoing misogyny faced by female athletes, recounting Gunn's challenges in a male-dominated sport and celebrating the progress of having 256 female Australian athletes in Paris 2024, a century after no women were included in the 1924 team.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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