Twist as Raygun makes it clear she is ‘NOT retiring’ after Australian break sensation claimed she no longer wanted to compete in the Olympics following online backlash
Rachel ‘Raygun’ Gunn has clarified claims about her breakdancing future, claiming she is ‘not retiring’ after declaring on Wednesday she no longer wanted to compete in the Olympics.
When asked about reports that emerged on Wednesday claiming she was considering quitting the sport, the 37-year-old told Channel 10’s The Project: “Raygun is not retiring!”
“It’s gotten so much attention,” she said. ‘I was on Today FM and I talked about taking part, but I don’t really see myself taking part anymore.
‘And then [it was] global news – “Raygun is retiring” – and it’s gotten a little out of hand.”
Explaining her decision, the Australian Olympian said she would continue to dance and compete in community events but would take a step back from the Olympics and elite level competitions.
“It’s different in breaking the culture, I’m still going to dance – I said that in the interview – and go to community jams and go down and dance and join a community jam,” the 37-year-old said .
‘But in terms of elite competitions and the Olympics – where breaking isn’t happening at the next Olympics, by the way – it’s become a very big thing today. I’ve received very sweet messages from people, thank you very much… But I’m still going!’
“It’s not me retiring, guys! It’s Ray Hadley! He’s the one retiring!’ she added, speaking to Australian radio star Hadley, who announced his retirement on Thursday.
The university lecturer has kept a low profile since the summer games but has spoken out about how heartbroken she was by the ‘devastating’ online hate she received in the aftermath of the Olympics, speaking to Sydney’s 2DayFM Jimmy & Nath.
During the radio program she was asked if she would participate in an Olympic Games in the future, to which she replied: ‘No! I would continue to compete [at future Olympic Games] Certainly, but that seems very difficult to me to start a fight now.’
More to follow…
