Australian Olympic great Anna Meares says the social media mocking of a breaker for her routine and choice of clothing is “really disappointing”.
Rachael Gunn, 36, failed to win over the judges as she lost her three round-robin contests in the competitive form of breakdancing by an aggregate score of 54-0 on Friday.
The university lecturer – who competes under the name Raygun – wore a green and yellow Australian Olympic tracksuit, while her rivals were kitted out in streetwear as breaking made its debut as a Games event.
As well as criticising her attire, social media users mocked the Australian’s routine as she bounced around on stage like a kangaroo and stood on her head at times.
Explaining her performance, Gunn said: “I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best, the dynamic and the power moves, so I wanted to move differently, be artistic and creative because how many chances do you get in a lifetime to do that on an international stage?
“I was always the underdog and wanted to make my mark in a different way.”
Meares, a two-time Olympic cycling gold medallist who is the Australia team’s chef de mission in Paris, said of the criticism: “I think that what has occurred on social media with trolls and keyboard warriors, and taking those comments and giving them air time, has been really disappointing.”
Speaking at a news conference on Saturday, Meares said: “I absolutely love her courage. I love her character, and I feel very disappointed for her that she has come under the attack that she has.”