Australian Olympian Rachael Gunn, known in breakdancing circles as Raygun, has issued an apology to the Australian breakdancing community following the widespread debate sparked by her performance at the Paris Games. Her routine, which resulted in a zero score in the B-Girls competition, ignited conversations globally, drawing both criticism and support for its distinctive approach to breakdancing.
In her first in-depth interview since the Olympics, Gunn addressed the controversy surrounding her qualification and performance. When questioned by Network 10’s The Project about whether she considered herself Australia’s top female breakdancer, Gunn pointed to her competitive history. However, she also acknowledged the negative reactions and their 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,” she stated, referencing the extensive online commentary about her Olympic routine.
Gunn’s performances in Paris, where she competed in three Olympic battles and lost all, became a talking point due to her green tracksuit, unconventional moves like the sprinkler and kangaroo-inspired hops, and overall eccentric style. This led to a flurry of internet memes and discussions about her place in competitive breakdancing.
Following the competition, Gunn faced serious allegations, including claims of manipulating the selection process by establishing her own governing body and having her husband involved in judging her qualification. These accusations have been officially refuted by organizations such as the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and the World DanceSport Federation (WDSDF). Gunn addressed these head-on, labeling them “conspiracy theories” in her Network 10 interview. She further defended her credentials, stating, “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. But anything can happen in a battle,” emphasizing the unpredictable nature of competitive breakdancing.
With a background in jazz, tap, and ballroom dance, Gunn had previously articulated her artistic intentions behind her breakdancing approach, describing it 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.” This artistic rationale has found support from unexpected corners. The head judge of the B-Girls competition and team officials have voiced their support for Gunn’s unique interpretation of breakdancing.
Despite this backing, the aftermath of Gunn’s Olympic appearance has caused division within the Australian breakdancing community. Australian hip-hop pioneer Spice voiced the disappointment felt by many, telling the BBC, “It made a mockery of the Australian scene and I think that’s why a lot of us are hurting.” This sentiment underscores the tension between traditional breakdancing values and the evolving landscape of the dance form as it enters the Olympic arena.
Breakdancing, originating from the hip-hop culture of 1970s New York, was included in the Olympic program to appeal to a younger demographic. However, some critics argue that the inherently spontaneous and non-conformist nature of breakdancing clashes with the structured environment of Olympic competition.
In the wake of her Paris performances and the subsequent media attention, Gunn took to Instagram to appeal for privacy, requesting an end to the “harassment” directed at her family and friends. She described the intense media scrutiny following the event as “really wild” during her Network 10 interview, highlighting the personal toll of the controversy. “That really did put me in a state of panic… Dancing was my medicine, and then it turned into my source of stress,” Gunn revealed, indicating the emotional impact of the situation.
While Gunn admitted she is not yet ready to re-watch her Olympic performances, she expressed gratitude for the support she received from fellow Olympians at the Closing Ceremony and segments of the public. “It so warmed my heart,” she said, choosing to focus on the positive aspects of her Olympic experience and the “joy” she believes she brought to some viewers. This reflects her attempt to move forward from the controversy and find positives amidst the challenging experience.
