Rachel ‘Raygun’ Gunn has clarified claims about her future in breakdancing and said she is “not retiring” after stating on Wednesday that she no longer wanted to compete in the Olympics after receiving backlash online.
When asked about reports that had emerged on Wednesday that he would retire on Channel 10’s The Project, he said: ‘Raygun is not retiring!’
“It’s gotten a lot of attention,” he said. ‘I was on Today FM and I was talking about competing and I don’t really see myself competing anymore.
‘And then the global news: Raygun is retiring, and it’s gotten a little out of hand. I’m not the one retiring, guys! It’s Ray Hadley! He’s the one who retreats!’ he added, speaking to Australian radio star Hadley, who announced her retirement on Thursday.
Explaining her decision, the Australian Olympian said she would continue dancing and competing in community events, but would step away from the Olympics and elite competitions.
“It’s different in breakup culture, I still go to dance and go to community sessions, get off, dance and get into community dancing,” the 37-year-old said.
“But in terms of elite competitions and the Olympics, which by the way, breaking won’t be in the next Olympics, today it’s become a really big thing. I’ve been getting really lovely messages from people… But still! I’m going!’
The university professor has kept a low profile since the Summer Games, but has spoken about how she was left heartbroken by the “devastating” online hate she received after the Olympics while speaking to 2DayFM Jimmy and Nath from Sydney.
During the radio show, she was pressed about whether she would compete in the Olympic Games in the future, to which she responded: ‘No! “I was probably going to continue competing (in future Olympics), but that seems really difficult to do now that I’m approaching a battle.”
More to follow…