Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, known by her stage name “B-girl Raygun,” has announced her retirement from competitive breaking following backlash over her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Gunn gained widespread attention after executing unconventional moves, such as a kangaroo hop and a floor wriggle, that left audiences and officials puzzled. The sport, newly introduced at the Paris Olympics, faced mixed reactions, and Gunn’s performance became a focal point for criticism.
The 2024 Games in Paris marked the first—and possibly last—Olympic appearance for breakdancing, as the sport has already been removed from the lineup for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. After failing to score points and being knocked out early in the round-robin stage, Gunn found herself the subject of online ridicule, with some Olympic fans petitioning for an official apology from her and Australia’s Olympic chef de mission, Anna Meares. Garnering over 50,000 signatures, the petition accused Gunn and Meares of “undermining the efforts of genuine athletes.”
A Devastating Public Response
Reflecting on the backlash, Gunn described the situation as “devastating,” emphasizing the toll it took not only on her but on her family, friends, and the entire Australian breaking community. “I’d really like to ask the press to stop harassing my family, friends, and the street dance community,” she shared in an emotional Instagram video. Gunn apologized to her fellow breakdancers, defending her career by stating that her “record speaks” to her position as one of Australia’s top B-girls.
Despite the criticism, Gunn expressed her love for breakdancing, saying she still dances privately with her partner at home but confirmed that she will not be rejoining competitive circles, even on a local level.
Mixed Reactions to Breakdancing as an Olympic Sport
The inclusion of breaking in the Olympics was met with skepticism from some quarters, leading to its exclusion from the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Gunn’s high-profile performance, marked by unique moves that some considered gimmicky, further polarized opinions. While the dance community is divided, supporters believe that Gunn’s attempt on the Olympic stage represented an evolution of the art form, while critics argue it diluted the sport’s authenticity.
Gunn’s departure from competitive breaking raises broader questions about the future of street dance in formal sports settings, with fans debating whether it should focus on its roots or evolve as a competitive discipline.
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