After a successful Olympic campaign, earning a national record of 53 medals, the athletes were asked about their absent teammate, b-girl Rachael "Raygun" Gunn.

Despite her efforts, 36-year-old Gunn failed to impress the judges in Paris and has since faced ridicule for what some have called underwhelming breakdancing skills. Critics have questioned how she qualified for the Games, with some of the more hostile voices labelling her a national embarrassment.

Gunn’s kangaroo-inspired moves and her somewhat outdated green Australian Olympic tracksuit became the target of parody by US late-night television host Jimmy Fallon. New Zealand comedian Jemaine Clement also took a lighthearted jab at her performance, saying, "I've been to Australia. That was their best dancer."

However, double gold-winning canoeist Jess Fox was quick to defend Gunn. "It is devastating for her," Fox told local media in Sydney. "To see the toll... she is human, and it is massive what she has been through over the last week. She has definitely been feeling it. There is a human behind all that, and people are so quick to be awful. She doesn't deserve that," she added.

Before the Games, Gunn, who holds a doctorate in cultural studies and works as a university researcher, had appeared at children's dance events, sharing her unlikely journey to Paris, promoting breaking, and encouraging the next generation to dream big and aim for the Olympics.

Swimmer Zac Stubblety-Cook, who won silver and bronze in Paris, described the criticism aimed at Gunn as "disappointing," according to the Sydney Morning Herald. Cyclist Matthew Glaetzer echoed this sentiment, stating that no Olympian "should be spoken negatively about."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also commended Gunn for her effort and commitment. "That she had a crack, and the Olympics is all about participation and having a go, doing your best, and representing your country. She did all of that," Albanese told Nova radio.

"I think some of the criticism that she's copped, there's been a bit of a pile-on, which I think is really unfair. Good on her for having a go and wearing a trackie while you're doing it. I mean, how Australian is that?"