Australian Olympian Rachael Gunn, known as Raygun in the break dance community, has issued an apology to the Australian breakdancing scene following the significant “backlash” experienced by the community after her performance at the Paris Olympics. Her routine sparked global headlines and a wide range of reactions due to its unconventional style.
Gunn competed in the B-Girls competition but received a score of zero, which triggered both criticism and praise across social media platforms for her unique approach to break dance. In her first in-depth interview since the Games, and amidst ongoing discussions regarding her qualification and overall performance, Gunn addressed the question of whether she considered herself Australia’s top female breakdancer.
“I believe my track record speaks for itself,” she stated in an interview with Network 10’s The Project.
She continued by expressing regret over the negative feedback directed at the breakdancing community, saying, “It is genuinely disheartening to hear these criticisms, and I sincerely apologize for the backlash the community has endured. However, I cannot control how individuals choose to react.” This statement was in response to the numerous critiques her Olympic break dance routine received online.
During her Olympic battles, the 36-year-old university lecturer faced defeats in all three rounds. Her distinctive green tracksuit and unconventional performance, which incorporated moves like the sprinkler and kangaroo-inspired hops, became viral sensations, generating countless memes and discussions online.
Scrutiny and Defense Following Olympic Break Dance Performance
Following her performance, Gunn faced accusations of manipulating the Olympic selection process. These allegations included claims that she had established her own governing body to facilitate her qualification and that her husband had served as a judge during her qualifying events.
However, these accusations have been officially refuted by several reputable organizations, including the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and the World DanceSport Federation (WDSDF). Gunn addressed these “conspiracy theories” in her Network 10 interview, dismissing them as “awful.”
“I held the top ranking as an Australian B-girl in 2020, 2022, and 2023. I received invitations to represent Australia at numerous World Championships. My competitive history is well-documented. However, in any competition, unexpected outcomes are always possible,” she explained, defending her participation and past achievements in break dance.
Gunn, whose background includes jazz, tap, and ballroom dance, had previously publicly defended her break dance routine as “artistic and creative.” She acknowledged a different strategic approach, stating, “I knew I was unlikely to outperform these competitors in their areas of expertise, such as dynamic and power moves. Therefore, I aimed to differentiate myself through movement and style.”
Support from the Break Dance Community and Officials
The lead judge overseeing the B-Girls competition has voiced support for Gunn, alongside team officials and segments of the broader Olympic breakdancing community. This support highlights a division in opinions regarding her performance within the break dance world.
Despite this support, the fallout from her performance has caused division and disappointment within the Australian break dance community. Australian hip-hop pioneer Spice articulated the sentiment of many, telling the BBC, “It made a mockery of the Australian scene, and I believe that is why many of us are feeling hurt.”
Break Dance in the Olympic Context
Breakdancing, originating from the boroughs of New York in the 1970s as a hip-hop inspired dance form, was introduced to the Olympic program this year to engage a younger demographic with the Games. However, some critics argue against its inclusion, citing the inherently organic and non-competitive nature of the genre, suggesting it may not align well with structured Olympic competition.
After her performance in Paris, Gunn directly appealed to the media via an Instagram video, requesting them to cease “harassing” her family and friends, indicating the personal toll of the controversy.
In her Network 10 interview, she described the intense media attention following the event as “really wild,” recounting being pursued by reporters. “It genuinely triggered a state of panic in me. Dancing, which was once my solace, transformed into a source of considerable stress,” she admitted, reflecting on the emotional impact of the backlash.
Gunn confessed that she is “not yet ready” to re-watch her Olympic performance. However, she expressed gratitude for the support received from fellow Olympians at the Closing Ceremony and from members of the public. “Their support was incredibly heartwarming,” she shared. “I prefer to concentrate on the positive aspects of this experience and the joy I have brought to some people.”
This situation underscores the complexities of integrating street dance forms like break dance into the Olympic Games and the diverse reactions it can provoke within the established break dance community and the broader public.
