'Really disappointing': Anna Meares hits back at online criticism of Aussie breaker Raygun
Australian chef de mission Anna Meares has responded to criticism of breaking star Rachael "Raygun" Gunn after her performance in Paris went viral.
The 36-year-old was bundled out of the event after failing to record any scores from the judges, ending her Olympic campaign.
Gunn's display left plenty of viewers confused and it led to some hilarious memes and reaction online over the weekend.
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However, as is often the case on social media, some of the criticism turned nasty and during a press conference on Sunday morning (AEST), Meares defended the Aussie star.
Raygun in action at the Olympics. Getty
"I haven't spoken to Rachael yet, but what I can say is that I love Rachael," she said.
"I think that what has occurred on social media with trolls and keyboard warriors, taking those comments and giving them airtime, has been really disappointing.
"If you don't know Rachael's story, in 2008 she was locked in a room crying, being involved in a male-dominated sport as the only woman and it took great courage for her to continue on and fight for her opportunity.
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"That got her to winning the Olympic qualifier event to be here in Paris. She is the best breakdancer female that we have for Australia.
"Raygun is a beloved member of this Olympic team … I feel very disappointed for her that she has come under the attacks that she has."
Gunn was aware she was always an outside chance of gaining a medal in Paris, but wanted to bring her own unique style to the first-time Olympic event.
"I was always going to be the underdog going in," she told Nine.
"I'm not as well known. Australia haven't had the same level of investment going in.
"I was never going to beat these b-girls at what they do, so I did what I do best and I went out and I showed myself, my creativity, my style, a little bit of Australian character so that I could try and make my mark on this world stage."
Gunn was unsuccessful in all three of her battles against Logistx from USA, Syssy from France, and Nicka from Lithuania, going down 18-0 in each one.
She works as a lecturer at Macquarie University and has a PHD in breaking culture.