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Raygun vows to never compete in Olympics again after intense backlash, scrutiny

Rachel “Raygan” Gunn is taking a break from her professional career.

The Australian dancer said she faced a “level of scrutiny” that made dancing “very difficult” after her ignominious Olympic debut in August.

Gunn, 37, announced that he had retired after his breakdancing style he performed on the streets of Paris in preparation for the 2024 Olympics became a hot topic.

Rachel “Raygan” Gunn will speak on Australia’s 2DayFM “The Jimmy and Nath Show” on November 6, 2024. Instagram / @jimmyandnathshow

“I'm still breaking out, but I'm not competing. I'm not competing anymore,” Gunn revealed on Australia's 2DayFM “Jimmy and Nasu's Show” Wednesday.

“Dancing is so much fun and it makes you feel good. I don't think people should feel like the way they dance is crap,” she said on the radio show.

Gunn said she still takes breaks, but only when she's at home with her partner because it's “really difficult” now.

The Olympian claimed that her anticipated high profile and public opinion of her unconventional technique were the reasons for her retirement.

“I think the level of surveillance will increase and the people filming will be posted online,” she said. “It doesn't mean the same thing. It's not going to be the same experience because everything is at stake.”

Ray Gunn performs kangaroo moves during the B Girls Round Robin held at Place de la Concorde on August 9, 2024. Getty Images
The Olympian claimed that her anticipated high profile and public opinion of her unconventional technique were the reasons for her retirement. AFP (via Getty Images)

During the three round robins, the geese performed unique moves, including spinning on their heads, rolling onto their backs and performing a move known as the “kangaroo” in honor of Australia's national animal.

Gunn finished the Olympics with zero points, leaving people wondering how she was able to qualify for Paris in the first place.

After her performance went viral, rumors on the internet began circulating with conspiracy theories suggesting she was an implant to rig the Olympics.

Gunn said she still takes breaks, but only when she's at home with her partner because it's “really difficult” now. Getty Images
During the three round-robin matches, Gunn performed unique movements such as spinning on his head and rolling on his back. Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Mr Regan said the theory was “absolutely preposterous” and “unmanageable”.

“It really upset me because I felt like I had no control over how people saw me and who I was,” she said.

Even though she received many hateful and negative messages, she was also overwhelmed by the positive messages she received from her fans.

After her performance went viral, rumors on the internet began circulating with conspiracy theories suggesting she was an implant to rig the Olympics. Getty Images

“It was really upsetting, but I'm just trying to stay positive,” she said. “That's what gets me through. People who say, 'You inspired me to go out and do things I was too shy to do.' This is us. You bought joy, you bought laughter, we are so proud of you. ”

“I just really screwed up some great stuff that people had written, and that’s what I hold on to.”

Gunn told his fans not to let anyone stop him from doing what he loves and making it his own.

“So if you're going out there and having fun on the dance floor, make it your own.”

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