The controversial performance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games has prompted an apology from the Australian competitor.

Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn garnered considerable attention for her breakdancing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics—though not all of it was favourable. Some viewers found the display to be ‘disrespectful’, leading Gunn to issue an apology during an interview.

Her performance saw her take to the stage in a cap and tracksuit, rather than the traditional streetwear typically worn by breakdancers. Gunn’s performance, which many felt was starkly different from those of her fellow competitors, resulted in a score of zero from the judges across three rounds.

Backlash was widespread online—a petition on Change.org calling for an investigation into her conduct at the Olympics garnered thousands of signatures before it was removed.

Despite her poor performance at the Games, Gunn maintains that she ‘worked her socks off’ in preparation and took the Olympics ‘very seriously’. She also expressed that she was ‘very sorry’ for the criticism faced by the breakdancing community, but added that she ‘can’t control how people react’.

Speaking to The Project, which was featured on news.com.au, Gunn said: “It is really sad to hear those criticisms. And I am very sorry for the backlash that the community has experienced, but I can’t control how people react.”

Gunn described the extensive media attention she received as ‘wild’, saying: “That was really wild. If people are chasing me, what do I do? But that really did put me in a state of panic. While I went out there and had fun, I did take it very seriously. I worked my socks off preparing for the Olympics and I gave my all, truly.”