AOC chief govt Matt Carroll has launched a scathing assertion aimed on the creators of a web based petition demanding a public apology from controversial breaker Raygun and Chef de Mission Anna Meares.
The nameless petition, began by ‘Somebody who hates corruption’, accused Raygun – actual identify Rachael Gunn – of “manipulating the choice course of to her personal benefit”, and Meares of “trying to gaslight the general public”.
The false claims made within the petition seem to have come from accusations and hypothesis extensively circulated on social media across the choice course of.
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Within the assertion launched Thursday afternoon, the AOC referred to as the petition “vexatious, deceptive and bullying”, in addition to “disgraceful”, “appalling”, and “malicious”.
The AOC stated Carroll has requested the petition – which on Thursday afternoon had garnered greater than 45,000 of its 50,000 objective – be faraway from the location.
“The AOC is especially offended by the affront to our Chef de Mission, Anna Meares,” Carroll stated.
“The Australian Staff Chef de Mission performed no function within the qualification occasions nor the nomination of athletes to the AOC Choice Committee, of which the Chef and I are members.
“It’s disgraceful that these falsehoods concocted by an nameless particular person will be printed on this method. It quantities to bullying and harassment and is defamatory. We’re demanding that or not it’s faraway from the location instantly.
“The petition has stirred up public hatred with none factual foundation. It is appalling. No athlete who has represented their nation on the Olympic Video games ought to be handled on this method and we’re supporting Dr Gunn and Anna Meares presently.
“It is essential that the neighborhood understands the info and that individuals don’t kind opinions primarily based on malicious untruths and misinformation.”
The AOC additionally printed an intensive checklist of clarifications, the total extent of which will be learn under.
Gunn was knocked out within the first spherical of competitors, failing to attain a single level towards both of her three opponents. Her efficiency, which included a “kangaroo dance”, divided opinion.
“I used to be by no means going to beat these b-girls at what they do, so I did what I do greatest and I went out and I confirmed myself, my creativity, my model, a bit of little bit of Australian character in order that I may attempt to make my mark on this world stage,” she informed 9 after the efficiency.
However because the backlash grew, her Australian Olympic teammates rallied round her. She carried out earlier than the closing ceremony.
“Put it within the Louvre,” Australian diver Domonic Bedggood wrote on instagram.
UNSW professor and Australian Rugby League commissioner Megan Davis accused Gunn of reaching the three zeros on objective to additional her tutorial research.
FULL AOC CLARIFICATION
- The Oceania Qualifying occasion held in Sydney in October 2023 was performed beneath the Olympic qualification system decided by the worldwide governing physique, World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) as authorized by the Worldwide Olympic Committee (IOC).
- The judging panel for the occasion was chosen by the WDSF and consisted of 9 impartial worldwide judges who had been dropped at Australia particularly to offer truthful, professional and clear adjudication.
- The occasion was performed by AUSBreaking beneath the auspices of DanceSport Australia and the WDSF and complying with WDSF pointers. Athletes from 4 international locations – Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji competed.
- Dr Rachael Gunn in successful the Oceania Breaking Championship in October 2023 was legitimately nominated by DanceSport Australia to the AOC for choice within the Australian Olympic Staff.
- Dr Rachael Gunn holds no place with AUSBreaking or DanceSport Australia in any capability. She is just an athlete who competed within the qualifying occasion which she gained. There have been no appeals from any athlete.
- Dr Gunn has no duty for any funding choices in her sport.
- Mr Samuel Free is a coach who holds no place with AUSBreaking or DanceSport Australia in any capability and was not a choose on the qualifying occasion.
- Australian Olympic Staff Chef de Mission Anna Meares was not concerned within the qualifying occasion or nomination of athletes.
- DanceSport Australia and the athletes acquired no Federal Authorities Funding.
- The AOC offered excessive efficiency funding to DanceSport Australia for Breaking, from its personal monetary sources.
- The Australian Olympic Committee absolutely funded the Australian Olympic Staff’s marketing campaign to Paris.
- No Federal taxpayer’s funds had been sought, nor offered for the Olympic Groups’ Paris marketing campaign. The $25 million greenback price for the Staff was met completely by the Australian Olympic Committee.