Australian Breakdancer Rachael Gunn Retires Amid Controversy
Rachael Gunn, affectionately known in the breakdancing community as “Raygun,” has announced her retirement from competitive breakdancing following a wave of scrutiny, criticism, and bizarre conspiracy theories that emerged after her unconventional performance at the Paris Olympics. The 37-year-old university lecturer made headlines when her routine went viral, capturing the attention—and ridicule—of audiences worldwide.
During the inaugural Olympic breakdancing competition held in Paris in August, Gunn faced significant challenges, failing to score in all three of her battles. Her distinctive performance, which featured unique moves like a playful kangaroo hop, quickly turned her into an internet sensation, leading to a flurry of memes and widespread mockery. The aftermath of her performance also sparked intense debates about the legitimacy and value of breakdancing as an Olympic sport.
Initially, Gunn had intentions of continuing her competitive journey. However, the overwhelming negativity surrounding her performance proved to be too distressing. “I just didn’t have any control over how people perceived me or who I was,” she shared in an interview with radio station 2DayFM. “I was determined to keep competing, but that seems incredibly challenging for me now. The scrutiny I faced and the likelihood of being filmed and critiqued online made it difficult.”
Following the Olympics, Gunn was inundated with abusive messages and threats, as well as being the target of an online petition that accused her of manipulating the qualification process to secure her Olympic spot. This petition garnered a staggering 50,000 signatures before it was ultimately removed at the request of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC). “The conspiracy theories were completely outrageous,” Gunn remarked. “Yet, I strive to focus on the positives, and that’s what helps me cope.”
In her interview, she expressed gratitude for the supportive messages she received: “Many people have reached out to say: ‘You’ve inspired me to pursue something I’ve always been too shy to attempt. You’ve brought joy and laughter into our lives. We’re so proud of you.'”
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Despite the onslaught of criticism, Gunn’s performance received support from an Olympic breakdancing judge and the AOC. In September, the World DanceSport Federation recognized her as the top female breakdancer globally. However, breaking was subsequently removed from the Olympic programme for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles and is not slated for the 2032 Games in Brisbane.
The breaking community remains divided over Gunn’s performance; while some peers defended her, others felt her routine undermined the sport on such a prestigious platform. Although Gunn has decided against returning to competitive breakdancing, she emphasized that she would continue to dance in her personal life. “I still dance and I still break,” she affirmed. “But that’s more in the comfort of my living room, sharing moments with my partner.”
