The debut of breakdancing at the Olympics was intended to inject youthful energy into the Games, but for one Australian competitor, it brought a storm of online criticism. Michelle Gunn, a 36-year-old university lecturer and the Australian B-girl representative, found herself at the center of controversy following her performance in Paris, highlighting a complex reaction to Break Dancer Australia on the world stage.
Gunn competed in all three of her Olympic battles but faced harsh critiques for her unique style, which diverged from the expected power moves typically associated with competitive breakdancing. Her routine, featuring elements like the sprinkler and kangaroo-inspired hops, quickly became fodder for memes and online mockery. Wearing a green tracksuit, her performance was labeled by some as eccentric, sparking a wave of negative reactions across social media platforms.
The criticism extended beyond mere performance reviews. Serious accusations emerged, suggesting that Gunn had manipulated the Australian selection process to secure her Olympic spot. These allegations included claims that she had established her own governing body and that her husband had served as a judge in her qualification trial. These claims, however, have been officially refuted by reputable organizations within the sporting world.
Both the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) have publicly denounced these accusations as false. Speaking to Network 10, Gunn addressed the conspiracy theories directly, stating, “The conspiracy theories were just awful.” She further emphasized her credentials, pointing to her top ranking as an Australian B-girl in 2020, 2022, and 2023, and her multiple invitations to represent Australia at World Championships. Despite her proven record, Gunn acknowledged the unpredictable nature of competitive battles, “But anything can happen in a battle,” she added.
Gunn, who has a diverse dance background encompassing jazz, tap, and ballroom, had previously defended her Olympic routine as a deliberate artistic choice. “I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best, the dynamic and the power moves, so I wanted to move differently,” she explained last month. This artistic approach, while intended to showcase creativity, was not universally appreciated within the breakdancing community and among online commentators.
Adding to the defense of the break dancer Australia, the top judge who oversaw the B-Girls competition has voiced his support for Gunn, alongside team officials and members of the broader Olympic breakdancing community. Despite this backing at higher levels, the fallout from Gunn’s performance has created division and disappointment within the Australian breakdancing scene itself.
Hip-hop pioneer Spice, a prominent figure in Australian break dance culture, expressed his disappointment to the BBC, stating, “It made a mockery of the Australian scene and I think that’s why a lot of us are hurting.” This sentiment reflects a concern that Gunn’s performance may have negatively impacted the perception of Australian breakdancing on a larger scale.
Breakdancing, originating in the New York boroughs in the 1970s, was introduced to the Olympic program to engage a younger demographic. However, some critics argue that the inherently organic and non-conformist nature of breakdancing is ill-suited for the structure of organized competition, suggesting a fundamental conflict between the art form and the Olympic format.
Following her performance in Paris and the subsequent backlash, Gunn took to Instagram to directly appeal to the media to cease “harassing” her family and friends, revealing the personal toll of the controversy. In her Network 10 interview, she described being pursued by reporters as “really wild” and admitted the experience had been deeply stressful. “Dancing was my medicine, and then it turned into my source of stress,” she confessed, highlighting the emotional impact of the public criticism.
Gunn admitted that she is not yet ready to rewatch her Olympic performance. However, she expressed gratitude for the support she received from fellow Olympians at the Closing Ceremony and from segments of the public. “It so warmed my heart,” she said. Choosing to focus on the positive aspects of her Olympic experience, Gunn concluded, “I would rather much focus on the positives out of this and the joy that I’ve brought people.” This reflects her resilience and determination to find value in her Olympic journey despite the surrounding controversy as a representative break dancer from Australia.
