AOC denounces anonymous petition attacking Olympian Rachael Gunn

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has slammed an anonymous online petition targeting Rachael Gunn, a viral hit known as Raygun, over her performance at the Paris Games. The petition, which was posted on Change.org, alleges Gunn manipulated the selection process, a claim the AOC has vehemently denied.

Gunn, a 36-year-old university professor from Sydney, failed to score a point in her battles against competitors from the US, France and Lithuania. This performance caused a lot of comments and criticism on social networks.

Matt Carroll, CEO of the AOC, described the petition as vexatious, misleading and intimidating. He highlighted that Gunn was selected for Australia's Olympic team through a transparent and independent nomination process and qualifying event.

The petition also suggests that Gunn's husband may have been on the selection panel and apologizes to Gunn and Australia's Olympic chef de mission, Anna Meares. He accuses them of misleading the Australian public and undermining the efforts of genuine sportsmen.

In response to the controversy, Gunn expressed his shock and disappointment in an Instagram video. He stated that he did not expect his performance to incite so much negativity, which he described as devastating. He also appreciated the positive feedback he received.

The AOC has demanded that Change.org immediately withdraw the petition, which Carroll described as an affront to its chef de mission, Anna Meares. He clarified that the Australian team's chef de mission had no role in qualifying events or nominating athletes to the AOC selection committee.

Carroll expressed outrage that such baseless allegations, made by an anonymous individual, could be published. He described it as bullying, harassment and defamation. He added that no athlete who has represented their country at the Olympics should be subjected to such treatment and assured that the AOC is supporting Gunn and Meares during this time.

In his Instagram video, Gunn appealed to the press to stop harassing his family, friends and the Australian breaking community, asking for respect for their privacy.