Rachael Gunn, known as Raygun in the breaking community, found herself at the center of a viral phenomenon following her performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The Australian B-girl's unique style, particularly her "kangaroo paw" move, captured global attention, sparking both admiration and criticism.
Breaking, which originated in the 1970s Bronx, made its Olympic debut in Paris, marking a significant milestone for the street dance form. The sport's inclusion in the Olympics was decided in 2020, following its successful introduction at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.
The controversy surrounding Gunn's performance escalated when a petition questioning her qualifications appeared online. The petition, which garnered over 57,000 signatures before its removal, was condemned by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) as "vexatious, misleading and bullying."
In response to the situation, Gunn addressed her supporters and critics in an Instagram video on August 15, 2024. She expressed gratitude for the positive feedback and acknowledged the unexpected negativity:
"I really appreciate the positivity, and I'm glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives ... I didn't realize that would also open the door to so much hate which has, frankly, been pretty devastating."
The 36-year-old breaker, who began her journey in the sport in her 20s, faced a predominantly teenage lineup at the Olympics. Gunn explained her approach to the competition, stating:
"I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best, the dynamic power moves. So I wanted to move differently. I wanted to do something artistic and creative."
Olympic breaking's chief judge, Martin Gilian, commented on August 11, 2024, that Gunn was "trying to be original and bring something new to the table." This aligns with the sport's judging criteria, which include physicality, interpretation, and artistry.
The AOC strongly defended Gunn, with Chief Executive Officer Matt Carroll stating, "It is disgraceful that these falsehoods concocted by an anonymous person can be published in this way ... No athlete who has represented their country at the Olympic Games should be treated in this way."
Support for Gunn extended to the highest levels of Australian government, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praising her efforts: "Raygun had a crack — good on her. That is in the Australian tradition of people having a go."
The controversy surrounding Gunn's performance highlights the ongoing debate within the breaking community about the sport's Olympic inclusion. As breaking evolves and incorporates influences from various global dance styles, its presence on the international stage continues to spark discussion.
Despite the mixed reactions, Gunn's Olympic journey has brought attention to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by breaking as it enters the mainstream sporting world. As the dust settles on this controversy, the future of Olympic breaking remains uncertain, with the sport not currently slated for inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.