Australian Breaker Raygun Praised for Courage and Creativity After Viral Paris Olympics Performances

Rachael Gunn, known in the breaking world as B-girl Raygun, has garnered widespread attention and acclaim for her performances at the Paris Olympics, despite not scoring points in her battles. At 36, Gunn balances her role as a university lecturer in Sydney with her breakdancing career, making her Olympic debut as part of the first-ever inclusion of breaking at the Games.

Competing at the Place de la Concorde, Raygun showcased a series of original moves, including a kangaroo hop and various floor contortions, against formidable opponents from the USA, France, and Lithuania. Though she lost all her battles 18-0, her performances have sparked a mix of criticism and admiration online. Some viewers found her routines amusingly unconventional, while others, including singer Adele, questioned the seriousness of the competition.

Despite mixed reactions, Raygun remains committed to her craft. Her performances reflect a deep dedication to originality and artistic expression. “Creativity is really important to me,” she said. “I go out there and show my artistry. Sometimes, it speaks to the judges, and sometimes, it doesn’t.”

Supporters, including Martin Gilian, the chief breaking judge at the Olympics, praised Raygun for her unique approach. “She represented breaking and hip-hop with originality,” Gilian noted. Sergey Nifontov of the World DanceSport Federation expressed concern over the social media backlash, emphasizing the importance of respecting all competitors in the dance community.

Gunn, who started breaking competitively in her mid-20s, faced younger B-girls in Paris and described the experience as a privilege. Her journey from being the only woman in a male-dominated sport to representing Australia at the Olympics was highlighted by Anna Meares, Australia’s chef de mission. Meares lauded Gunn’s courage and dedication, despite the criticism she faced.

Breaking, which emerged in New York City in the 1970s as part of hip-hop culture, has gained global popularity and was included in the Olympic program to attract younger audiences. However, breaking will not be featured in the 2028