Olympic athlete Raygun offered mental health support after games controversy

While the 2024 Olympics finally came to an end a few days ago, it's clear the buzz around it isn't dying down anytime soon.

The world watched on as thousands upon thousands of athletes battled it out for gold - some coming out victorious and many leaving disappointed.

One of those athletes, a 36-year-old Team Australia breakdancer, has since been offered mental health support following the controversy of her Olympics performance.

Raygun, 36, has been offered mental health support following her Olympics performance. (DeFodi Images / Contributor / Getty Images)

Raygun - real name Rachael Gunn - went viral overnight for all the wrong reasons after being slapped with a 0.0 score at the games.

The Aussie was fiercely defended after people found out that the sport has already been axed from the next 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles - especially since it only debuted this year at the Paris Games.

In an interview following the result, Raygun opened up about her thoughts on breakdancing being axed from the 2029 LA Olympics saying: "It was disappointing it was decided that it wouldn’t be in LA, particularly before we even had a chance to show it.

"That was possibly a little premature. I wonder if they’re kicking themselves now?"

She continued: "What is an Olympic sport? What are the similarities between dressage and artistic swimming and the 100m sprint and the pentathlon?

Breakdancing has been axed from the 2023 Los Angeles Games. (DeFodi Images / Contributor / Getty Images)

"Breaking is clearly athletic, it clearly requires a whole level of dedication across a number of different aspects."

The breakdancer finished up: "It’s really bringing a new level of excitement."

While many people took to social media theorising whether or not it was Raygun's performance that led to the decision, the actually fact of the matter is that the choice was made before this summer's Olympics had even kicked off - therefore before Raygun even took to the stage.

Following an avalanche of comments from critics online, Raygun - who has previously represented her country at the world championships in 2021 and 2022 - has been offered support for her mental health by Sergey Nifontov, general secretary of the World DanceSport Federation.

Let’s break this down:

Dr. Gunn’s performance wasn't the reason break dancing isn't included in the 2028 Olympics. The reason is break dancing wasn't popular enough to continue to the next Olympics.

Sports added or removed are based on several criteria, including how widely…

— brflux (aka brett) (@brflux) August 11, 2024

Nifontov added that he 'worried' by the response Raygun's performance had received on social media, saying: "That should not happen in our world. Something is going in the wrong direction."

The federation has been in direct contact with the dancer and Australian Olympic team officials, and has offered the support of its safeguarding officer, according to NBC New York,

"We are aware about what has happened, especially on social media, and definitely we should put the safety of the athlete, in this case, mental safety in first place. She has us as a federation supporting her," Nifontov added in a statement.

If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.

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