Australian b-girl Rachel “Raygun” Gunn recently spoke out in her first interview following her controversial performance in breakdancing’s Olympic debut, which went viral on social media. The 36-year-old university professor admitted that she knew she was overmatched going into the competition, despite winning the QMS Oceania Championships in Sydney and being named the top-ranked b-girl by the Australian Breaking Association in 2020 and 2021. Gunn’s unique performance included a “kangaroo dance,” showcasing Australian moves and themes. She received criticism from those who didn’t understand the different styles of breaking, but she was surprised by the amount of vitriol she faced.
Gunn, who has a Ph.D. in cultural studies and lists dance as one of her research interests, revealed that she anticipated some backlash, but didn’t expect the level of negativity she received. She mentioned that her family, crew, and the breaking and street dance community in Australia were all targeted with attacks. Gunn swept all of her battles in the round-robin stage at the Paris Olympics without earning a single point. Despite the criticism and negative responses, Gunn expressed that she was not deterred and proud of her performance, which showcased her strengths and style in breaking.
The aftermath of the Paris Games was described as “tough” by Gunn, who admitted to feeling uncertain about her chances as soon as she qualified for the Olympics. She acknowledged that people might not understand her style and the choices she made during her performance. Gunn highlighted the creative freedom in breaking and how it allows artists to take inspiration from any source. She cited her decision to showcase Australian moves and themes as a testament to the versatility and inclusivity of the breaking community, emphasizing the importance of playing to her strengths.
While Gunn’s Olympic performance went viral and received mixed reactions from viewers, she acknowledged her slim chances of success from the beginning. Despite not watching her performance back, Gunn reflected on the experience and the challenges she faced. It is unlikely that she will return to the Olympic stage anytime soon, as breaking is not scheduled to be part of the program for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Despite the obstacles and criticisms, Gunn remains proud of her accomplishments and her representation of Australian breaking on the global stage.
In conclusion, Rachel “Raygun” Gunn’s journey to the Olympic stage and her subsequent viral performance showcased the diversity and creativity of the breaking community. While facing criticism and backlash, Gunn remained true to her style and strengths, highlighting the inclusivity and artistic freedom within the sport. Despite the challenges she encountered at the Paris Olympics, Gunn’s resilience and passion for breaking demonstrate the spirit of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring b-girls and dancers, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and embracing individuality in a competitive and often critical world.
