On social media, a viral video left Olympic fans mortified by Australian breakdancer ‘raygun’ after a toe-curling performance at Olympic Paris 2024.
On the X platform, a video captured Australian breakdancer ‘Raygun’ performing awkwardly during the sport’s debut at the Paris Olympics, which has drawn significant attention.
Breaking made its debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics, but Australian breakdancer Raygun’s performance has raised doubts about the sport’s place in the global arena.
Known offstage as Rachael Gunn, the 36-year-old’s routine quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons.
The performance sparked widespread criticism and left many questioning the legitimacy of breakdancing as an Olympic sport.
A troubling debut
During her face-off against France’s Syssy (Sya Dembélé) in the second of three qualifying matches on Friday afternoon, Raygun’s performance was marked by awkward movements.
The routine concluded with a perplexing finale, where she squirmed on the dance floor with her hand on her chin. This awkward ending only added to the confusion surrounding her performance.
Ultimately, she failed to score any points against her rivals, raising concerns about her fit in the competitive scene.
Social Media reactions
On X platform, a user, who goes by @a_txcllctr87033 shared a video on this pfatform with caption:
“Raygun, I’m sure you’re a sweet lady, but man…”
The video of Raygun’s routine spread widely across the internet, sparking a flurry of reactions.
Many users criticized her stage name, outfit choice, and overall performance. Despite the criticism, some users commended Raygun for her bravery and resilience.
One person said: If she wasn’t single when she left , I reckon it’s a safe bet she will be when she returns .
A second wrote: Pretty sure her routine started with “Hey Mum Hey Dad, watch me, watch what I can do, watch me do this”/
While a third commented: If that’s the case weddings and The Olympics are two very totally different things.
Another added:Wtf break dancing in the Olympics wat ever next
Raygun’s response
Amidst the backlash, Raygun has maintained a positive outlook.
She shared an Instagram post featuring a motivational quote on her ‘Stories’ feed, courtesy of the World DanceSport Federation: “Don’t be afraid to be different, go out there and represent yourself, you never know where that’s gonna take you.”
Raygun’s credentials are substantial despite her controversial performance.
She was the top-ranked bgirl (break-girl) in Australia for 2020 and 2021.
She represented Australia at the World Breaking Championships from 2021 to 2023. Last year, she won the Oceania Breaking Championships.
This victory secured her spot as Australia’s Olympic bgirl.
At Macquarie University, Raygun works as a creative arts researcher. She teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Her focus includes street dancing and gender issues.
Her publications include studies on gendered assumptions in Sydney’s breakdancing scene and the visibility politics within breaking culture.
Raygun has expressed critical views on the inclusion of breakdancing in the Olympics. This reflects her complex relationship with the sport.
Raygun’s Olympic debut was fraught with difficulties. Despite this, her commitment to breaking remains strong. Her academic contributions also highlight her dedication to the sport.
Despite the harsh critiques, she remains a significant figure in both the competitive and academic worlds of dance.