Australian Olympian Rachael Gunn, known as Raygun in the breakdancing world, has issued an apology to the Australian breakdancing community following the widespread discussion surrounding her performance at the Paris Games. Her routine in the B-Girls competition, which resulted in a zero score, became a global talking point, drawing both criticism and support for its unique approach.
In a recent interview, Gunn addressed the controversy and the questions raised about her participation. When asked if she considered herself Australia’s top female breakdancer, Gunn pointed to her track record. Speaking to Network 10’s The Project, she stated, “I think my record speaks to that.”
However, she also acknowledged the negative feedback and its impact on the Australian breakdancing scene. “It is really sad to hear those criticisms and I am very sorry for the backlash that the community has experienced, but I can’t control how people react,” Gunn explained, referring to the online critiques of her performance.
The 36-year-old, a university lecturer, competed in three Olympic battles, all of which she lost. Her performance style, characterized by her green tracksuit and unconventional moves like the sprinkler and kangaroo hops, quickly went viral, generating numerous memes and online commentary.
Following the competition, Gunn faced allegations regarding the Olympic selection process. Claims circulated that she had improperly influenced her qualification, including accusations about establishing her own governing body and her husband judging her trial. These claims have since been officially refuted by organizations such as the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF).
Gunn addressed these accusations directly, stating, “The conspiracy theories were just awful.” She further defended her credentials by highlighting her past achievements: “I was the top-ranked Australian B-girl in 2020 and 2022 and 2023. I have been invited to represent at how many World Championships… So, the record is there.” She also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of competition, adding, “But anything can happen in a battle.”
Gunn, whose dance background includes jazz, tap, and ballroom, had previously defended her Olympic routine as “artistic and creative.” She explained her strategy: “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,” indicating an intentional departure from traditional breakdancing styles.
Notably, the head judge of the B-Girls competition and Olympic team officials have voiced their support for Gunn, alongside segments of the broader Olympic breakdancing community.
Despite this support, the situation has caused division and disappointment within Australian breakdancing circles. Spice, an Australian hip-hop pioneer, expressed concern 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 highlights the core issue: the clash between Gunn’s unique artistic approach and traditional expectations within Australian breakdancing.
Breakdancing, originating from the hip-hop culture of 1970s New York, was introduced to the Olympic program to engage younger audiences. However, some critics question its place in organized competition, arguing that its organic and freestyle nature is not suited for the Olympic format. This debate extends beyond Gunn’s performance and touches upon the very nature of breakdancing as an Olympic sport.
After her Paris performance, Gunn used social media to appeal for privacy, requesting the media to stop “harassing” her family and friends. In her Network 10 interview, she described the intense media attention as “really wild” and “panic”-inducing. She reflected on the personal impact, saying, “Dancing was my medicine, and then it turned into my source of stress.”
Gunn admitted 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 members of the public. “It so warmed my heart,” she said. Looking forward, Gunn stated her intention to “focus on the positives out of this and the joy that I’ve brought people.” The controversy surrounding Raygun’s performance underscores the diverse interpretations and evolving landscape of Australian break dancing on the global stage.
