Thread by @kicks

Australian breakdancer ‘Raygun’ is being accused of ‘rigging’ her way to the 2024 Olympics 😳

A thread 🧵

A petition, signed by thousands, claims that Raygun set up her own governing body for breakdancing to control the selection process and sideline other qualified dancers.

Critics are calling for a full investigation. 👀 Change.org

Before we dig too deep, here’s Molly Chapman, the breakdancer who “lost” to Raygun in the qualifying event to represent Australia at the Olympics.

You be the judge…

Raygun’s critics allege she denied funding to talented but underprivileged youth, further accusing her of defeating ‘phenomenal breakdancers’ in a qualifier she organized.

Anna Meares, the president of the Australian Olympic Committee, is also under fire. Petitioners accuse both Meares and Raygun of ‘gaslighting the public’ and undermining genuine athletes’ efforts.

The demand for transparency in the Olympic selection process is louder than ever.

To this point, neither Raygun nor Meares have officially responded to the allegations. However, Raygun did address her critics indirectly during an Aug. 10th press conference, defending her performance and emphasizing the importance of creativity in breakdancing.

Raygun stated, “I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best - their power moves. What I bring is creativity. All of my moves are original.”

Raygun’s response reflects the ongoing debate in breakdancing: Should it prioritize technical skill or creative expression? Her comments suggest that she sees herself as an artist first, athlete second. But does this justify the alleged manipulation?

As the controversy unfolds, the breakdancing community is divided. Some support Raygun’s emphasis on artistry, while others argue that the selection process must be fair and transparent to all athletes, regardless of style.

The petitioners are not just seeking an apology - they want systemic changes to prevent future abuses. This case could set a precedent for how emerging sports like breakdancing are managed and represented in the Olympics.

The ball is now in the court of the Australian Olympic Committee and the Prime Minister. How they respond could shape the future of breakdancing in Australia and beyond. 👀

Follow @KICKS for more 🔥 sports content!

Oh, and if y’all also want to see an investigation happen, here’s the petition to sign 👇
change.org/p/hold-raygun-…

Now that you’re familiar with Raygun, meet her husband and trainer Sammie Free 👀

UPDATE: Raygun breaks her silence in response to her haters 👀⬇️

While you’re here, y’all gotta checkout this thread…

RIP to an ESPN legend 🤣🙏

https://twitter.com/kicks/status/1824152564197363878