In a surprising turn of events, Australian breaker Rachael Gunn, affectionately known as B-girl Raygun, has decided to retire from competitive breaking. This decision follows the intense backlash she faced after her performance at the Paris Olympics, where she controversially failed to score in all three of her rounds. Her routine, which featured unconventional dance moves like the sprinkler and kangaroo hop, drew both international attention and significant mockery.
Raygun Announces Retirement Amid Olympic Performance Controversy
Raygun Announces Retirement Amid Olympic Performance Controversy
Australian B-girl Rachael Gunn, known as Raygun, retires following backlash from her Olympic routine that sparked ridicule and conspiracy theories.
At 37 years old and a university lecturer, Gunn initially intended to continue competing. However, the overwhelming negativity surrounding her performance led her to reconsider. "I just didn’t have any control over how people saw me or who I was," Gunn expressed candidly in a Wednesday interview with local radio station 2DayFM. The scrutiny and disdain she faced were so distressing that she felt it would be challenging to participate in future competitions.
The backlash included a stream of violent messages directed at her, as well as an anonymous petition demanding an apology that inaccurately claimed she and her husband had unfairly influenced her selection over more deserving competitors. While Olympic officials supported her, the reaction within the breaking community was divided, with some critics accusing her of undermining the sport.
This controversy has reopened discussions regarding breaking's status in the Olympics, which made its debut in Paris but is not scheduled for inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The unique and creative nature of breaking raises doubts about its compatibility with formal competition.
Reflecting on the situation, Gunn shared her disappointment over the loss of joy in the dancing aspect of the sport. "Dancing is so much fun, and it makes you feel good. I don’t think people should feel crap about the way that they dance," she said. While she may be stepping back from the competitive scene, she reassured fans that she continues to break and dance privately, enjoying the art in her own safe space with her partner.
The backlash included a stream of violent messages directed at her, as well as an anonymous petition demanding an apology that inaccurately claimed she and her husband had unfairly influenced her selection over more deserving competitors. While Olympic officials supported her, the reaction within the breaking community was divided, with some critics accusing her of undermining the sport.
This controversy has reopened discussions regarding breaking's status in the Olympics, which made its debut in Paris but is not scheduled for inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The unique and creative nature of breaking raises doubts about its compatibility with formal competition.
Reflecting on the situation, Gunn shared her disappointment over the loss of joy in the dancing aspect of the sport. "Dancing is so much fun, and it makes you feel good. I don’t think people should feel crap about the way that they dance," she said. While she may be stepping back from the competitive scene, she reassured fans that she continues to break and dance privately, enjoying the art in her own safe space with her partner.
