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Australian breakdancers were mocked by netizens for their "dress and performance" in the Paris Olympics, and the Australian Prime Minister spoke out

According to Sky News, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and other media, Australian breakdancer Rachel Gunn participated in the women's round-robin event of the Paris Olympics on the 9th. She made her debut in this Olympics, but it caused controversy and even ridicule on social media. On the 11th, Australian Prime Minister Albanese spoke up for Gunn at a press conference.

According to Sky News, Gunn is a 36-year-old college teacher. On the day of the women's round-robin breakdancing event at the Paris Olympics, Gunn wore a yellow and green sportswear to compete. She performed "unconventional" moves in the competition, which were not recognized by the judges, so she did not get any points and was later eliminated.

On August 9, Gunn participated in the breakdancing competition at the Paris Olympics. Source: Foreign media

The BBC said that users on social media not only criticized her outfit, but also mocked the Australian contestant for jumping like a kangaroo on the stage and sometimes doing handstands.

Explaining his performance, Gunn said, "I'm never going to beat them at what they do best, like the dynamic and powerful moves, so I wanted to be different and be artistic and creative."

"Don't be afraid to be different and be yourself, you never know how far you can go," Gunn said in response to the controversy on social media.

According to Reuters, in response to Gunn being attacked online, Anna Mills, head of the Australian delegation, said at a press conference on the 10th that Gunn was a "well-loved member" of the Australian sports delegation and showed the Olympic spirit with great enthusiasm. "I like her courage very much, I like her character. I am very disappointed that she has been attacked like this," Mills said.

Mills at a press conference on August 10. Source: Screenshot of the video from The Guardian

ABC said that Australian Prime Minister Albanese was asked at a press conference on the 11th about Gunn being criticized for his performance in the Olympic Games.He said the Olympics are about people participating in sports and Gunn made an attempt.

Albanese, file photo, source: ABC

"It's a reflection of the Australian tradition of trying things. She's doing it on behalf of our country, and that's a good thing."Albanese said,"Whether (athletes) win a gold medal or just do their best, that's what we expect. What really matters is participation."

According to Xinhua News Agency, the breakdancing competition in this Paris Olympics is divided into two events, men's and women's. The 16 contestants in each event are divided into four groups, and the competition is conducted in a one-on-one format. The top two in each group advance to the quarterfinals. The elimination round continues to use the one-on-one "dance competition" format until the final champion is produced. The nine judges on site score the contestants based on their musicality, expressiveness, originality, skills and completion. In each game, the contestants need to show themselves as much as possible within a limited time.

Source: Global Times/Zhang Jiangping