Paris 2024 Olympic Games: “Unethical conduct”, the Australian Olympic Committee reacts after the circulation of a petition mocking the Raygun breaker

La breakeuse australienne Rachael “Raygun” Gunn aux JO de Paris 2024 MAXPPP – John Walton

Le Comité olympique australien (AOC) a dénoncé jeudi une pétition "vexatoire, trompeuse et intimidante" visant la breakeuse australienne Raygun, déjà cible de nombreuses moqueries pour sa performance aux JO-2024.

Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, 36, was in the spotlight for her allegedly poor breakdancing skills at the Paris Olympics, sparking a flood of criticism online. A series of articles containing unverified allegations have since called into question how Gunn earned her spot at the Games.

But after a petition was circulated calling his appearance and conduct “unethical”, the Australian Olympic Committee hit back. It called the petition hosted on Change.org, which has garnered 46,000 signatures, “vexatious, misleading and intimidating”. and demanded that it be immediately removed.

“The petition contains numerous falsehoods designed to stir up hatred against an athlete who was selected to the Australian Olympic team through a transparent and independent qualification event and nomination process,” the AOC said.

A performance that was parodied on social media

Ms. Gunn's moves, which included imitating a kangaroo, and her slightly outdated official green tracksuit that she wore instead of streetwear, were even parodied around the world, particularly by late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon.

But she also won the support of her fellow Australian Olympians, including Jess Fox, double gold medallist in canoeing.

“People are so quick to be mean. She doesn't deserve that,” Jess Fox said as she returned to Australia on Wednesday.