Australian breakdancer,Raygun left fans shocked after announcing his quit from competitive breakdancing following a zero score at the Paris Olympics.
Rachael Gunn, famously known as Raygun, has announced her decision to quit competitive breakdancing.
Following her viral performance at Paris 2024, she’s decided to step back from the competitive spotlight.
Raygun faced to critismed after her formance at Paris Olympic 2024
Raygun’s performance at the Paris Olympics brought her international fame. Representing Australia in the women’s breaking competition, her unique moves caught the world’s attention.
On social media, many viewers stunned by Raygun’s performance.
In the footage, Raygun was seen dressed in a green and gold tracksuit, resembling a cricket outfit, as she performed a quirky dance.
In the Olympic performance, She hopped like a kangaroo and slid like a snake, failing to impress the judges. Despite her effort, she lost in all her battle rounds.
Additionally, Raygun also received zero-point performance at the Olympic Games.
Clips of her performance flooded social media, where reactions ranged from supportive to critical.
Her newfound fame led to significant recognition, as her face and style became familiar across the globe.
Raygun reflected on her decision to step back after her performance.
During an interview on the Jimmy & Nath Show on November 5, Raygun shared her thoughts about her Olympic experience. She announced her choice to quit competitive breakdancing, saying she would still practice but without the intensity of competitions.
“I’d still break, but I’m not going to compete anymore,” she explained. While she still loves dancing, the idea of returning to competitive battles feels overwhelming now.
Raygun also revealed facing new pressures in breakdancing competition
In an interview, Raygun also explained that her Olympic fame brought an added “level of scrutiny.”
With cameras at every competition and clips quickly circulating online, competing would no longer feel the same. “It’s not going to be the same experience because of everything that’s at stake,” she noted.
The pressure and visibility, she admitted, have shifted the joy of competing into a more challenging experience.
Previously, Raygun appeared on Australia’s The Project, clarifying that she isn’t retiring from dance altogether. Instead, she emphasized stepping back from elite competitions. “I don’t really see myself competing anymore,” she clarified.
Raygun noted that breakdancing remains part of her life. She still plans to attend community jams and dance for enjoyment, just without the high-stakes pressure of formal competitions.
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Social media reaction
On social media, many viewers were shocked by Raygun’s decision. Others also supported Raygun, encouraging her to continue her career.
One person said: She may not have danced onto the podium, but she danced into our hearts.
A second wrote: I think Raygun shows what happens when you try to defend against internet while Hawk Tua show fantastically what can happen if you own it.
While a third commented: That Olympic ‘performance’ was an absolute insult to true breakdancing… I cringe when I see it.
Another added: Yeah sweet . I quit space exploration aswel. Bro she was never a breakdancer to be able to quit.
Someone else said: Wow. Some of you here are real winners…. Put yourself in her shoes. It’s the problem with the world today.
Breaking’s exclusion from future Olympics
Raygun’s decision coincides with a shift in Olympic planning.
Breakdancing, featured at Paris 2024, won’t be part of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. In 2022, it was announced that only 28 sports were approved for the 2028 lineup, and breaking didn’t make the cut.
Though stepping back from competitive breakdancing, Raygun will continue dancing within her community. Her choice reflects a desire to enjoy dance without the pressures of high-profile competition.