The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has condemned the online petition attacking breaking competitor Rachael Gunn.
In a statement from the AOC, it said the committee’s chief executive Matt Carroll had written to change.org demanding it be immediately withdrawn.
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Mr Carroll said the petition contained “numerous falsehoods designed to engender hatred” towards Raygun.
“It is disgraceful that these falsehoods concocted by an anonymous person can be published in this way,” he said.
“It amounts to bullying and harassment and is defamatory. We are demanding that it be removed from the site immediately.
“The petition has stirred up public hatred without any factual basis. It’s appalling. No athlete who has represented their country at the Olympic Games should be treated in this way.
“It’s important that the community understands the facts and that people do not form opinions based on malicious untruths and misinformation.”
The statement also sought to clarify the details of Dr. Gunn and her husband, Samuel Free, ‘s professional relationship.
Free is Dr Gunn’s coach, and it was rumoured he was involved in the selection process at the Oceania Qualifying event.
This is the event Dr Gunn won to secure her position on the Olympic team. However, the AOC said this was not the case.
“Mr Samuel Free is a coach who holds no position with AUSBreaking or DanceSport Australia in any capacity and was not a judge at the qualifying event,” the statement read.
“Dr Rachael Gunn holds no position with AUSBreaking or DanceSport Australia in any capacity. She is simply an athlete who competed in the qualifying event, which she won.
“There were no appeals from any athlete.”
The AOC also said Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission Anna Meares was not involved in the qualifying event or nomination of athletes.
“The AOC is particularly offended by the affront to our Chef de Mission, Anna Meares,” Mr Carroll said.
“The Australian Team Chef de Mission played no role in the qualification events nor the nomination of athletes to the AOC Selection Committee, of which the Chef and I are members.”