Edition
English
Based
Incel
Woke
Austin Post

news

Cultural Appreciation at San Antonio Zoo: Breakdancing 'Roo Salute

Watch as these kangaroos at the San Antonio Zoo celebrate their cultural heritage by adorably bopping along to the sick breakdancing beats of Aussie Olympian Raygun.

Published August 19, 2024 at 8:42am by Alexis Simmerman

Title: Kangaroos, Raygun, and the Battle Against Misogyny at the Paris Olympics

Subtitle: Aussie breaker Raygun faced sexist backlash after her Olympic performance, but she's fighting back with the support of an unexpected ally: kangaroos.

San Antonio Zoo Kangaroos Salute Raygun's Performance:

Australian break dancer Rachel "Raygun" Gunn, 36, has become an unexpected viral sensation following her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. While her unique routine sparked a range of reactions, from laughter to harsh criticism, the kangaroos at the San Antonio Zoo have offered their unwavering support.

"[The] roos at Kangaroo Krossing thought Raygun NAILED IT, and should have received a perfect score at the Olympics," the zoo said in a viral TikTok.

Raygun Responds to Criticism and Sexism:

In the face of intense online backlash, Raygun has spoken out, calling the experience "devastating." Despite her lighthearted approach to the competition, she worked hard to qualify and represent Australia.

"I really appreciate the positivity, and I'm glad I was able to bring some joy... I didn't realize that that would also open the door to so much hate, which has been pretty devastating," she said in an Instagram video.

Raygun also addressed the sexist speculation and scrutiny surrounding her selection for the Australian team, stating that it has impacted her loved ones as well:

"I would really like to ask the press to please stop harassing my family, my friends, the Australian breaking community, and the broader street dance community... [refer to the] AOC's statement on the misinformation floating around," Raygun urged.

Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) Defends Raygun:

The AOC has strongly condemned the online petition targeting Raygun as "vexatious, misleading, and bullying." In a statement, AOC CEO Matt Carroll refuted the allegations, emphasising the transparency of the selection process:

"It is disgraceful that these falsehoods concocted by an anonymous person can be published... It amounts to bullying and harassment and is defamatory... It’s important that the community understands the facts and that people do not form opinions based on malicious untruths and misinformation," Carroll stated.

Breaking's Olympic Debut:

While breaking made its debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics, it will sadly not be featured at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Despite this setback, Raygun's experience shines a light on the importance of inclusivity and respect in sports, and the fight against misogyny and bullying in all their forms.

URLs referenced:

Read more: San Antonio Zoo kangaroos honor Australian Olympian Raygun's breakdancing performance