Rachael Gunn: How Raygun’s Shocking Hit Made Life Hell for Another Australian Breakdancer at the Paris Olympics
- Jeff Dunne was ‘inundated with messages’ before competing
- Teenager was Australia’s male representative in breakdancing
- His coach Liam Masters confirmed the impact on the young player
The coach of the Australian male breakdancer at the Paris Olympics believes Raygun’s heavily criticised performance put unnecessary pressure on his teenage star.
Jeff Dunne’s coach Liam Masters confirmed on Instagram this week that the youngster was distracted after footage of compatriot Rachael Gunn went viral for all the wrong reasons.
‘On Saturday [before competing]Jeff woke up and his phone was blowing up… hundreds and hundreds of messages with videos, memes, jokes, trolling, articles [about Gunn]’, he posted in a reel.
“The pressure Jeff felt that day was ridiculous. He knew everyone was waiting to see if he would deliver or not.
‘I really hope the Australian media supports Jeff for his amazing achievement, what he has achieved for his age and what he has overcome.
“It’s a huge achievement to overcome the enormous pressure at the age of 16 with the whole world watching.”
Dunne, who fights under the name J-Attack, was knocked out after being drawn in the first round by Ukrainian star ‘Kuzya’.
Masters also indicated that he believes Gunn is a victim of online bullying.
Liam Masters, the coach of the Australian male breakdancer at the Paris Olympics, believes Raygun’s devilish performance put pressure on his teenage star
Jeff Dunne’s coach Liam Masters confirmed on Instagram this week that the young player was distracted after footage of compatriot Rachael Gunn went viral for all the wrong reasons
Jeff Dunne, 16, who competes under the name J-Attack, was knocked out after playing Ukrainian star ‘Kuzya’ in the first round
“It has to stop, it’s sad,” he said. “Raygun is a human being and she doesn’t deserve any of this.
‘I really hope that the Australian Breaking Committee, WDSF [World Dance Sport Federation] Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee will be there 100% to support her.’
Meanwhile, Australian canoeist Jessica Fox, who won two gold medals in Paris, revealed the ongoing criticism has taken a “devastating” toll on Gunn.
“I spoke to her, it’s terrible for her,” she said.
“To see the toll… it’s enormous what she’s been through. She’s definitely felt it.
“People are so quick to be horrible. They don’t deserve that.”
Other Australian Olympians have also expressed their support for Gunn, including swimmer Zac Stubblety-Cook.
He described the ongoing criticism as “disappointing” and said it was “bloody amazing” to see Gunn smiling at the closing ceremony in Paris.
