What's happened
Rachael Gunn, known as Raygun, faced backlash after her Olympic breakdancing performance received zero points. The controversy has sparked debates about her qualification and the cultural significance of breaking, overshadowing other competitors at the Paris 2024 Games.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, the uproar surrounding Raygun's performance was described as 'frustrating, insulting, and offensive,' overshadowing the accomplishments of other competitors. Meanwhile, Business Insider UK noted that Gunn's viral status has led to misinformation about her qualification process, with critics alleging unfair advantages. The South China Morning Post emphasized the lack of accountability from sports authorities, suggesting that the focus on Gunn's performance reflects deeper issues within Australian sports culture.
How we got here
Rachael Gunn, a 36-year-old academic and breakdancer, represented Australia in the inaugural Olympic breaking competition. Her performance, which went viral for its unconventional style, led to widespread criticism and conspiracy theories regarding her qualification.
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The 2024 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, and commonly known as Paris 2024, is a forthcoming international multi-sport event that is scheduled to take place from 26 July to 11 August 2024 in Paris, France.