Raygun, the Australian breakdancer who recently made waves on social media for her distinctive and unconventional dance style during the 2024 Paris Olympics, has addressed the criticism she’s faced.
The 36-year-old competitor, whose real name is Rachael Gunn, became a viral sensation after her performances in the debut of breaking as an Olympic event, but not all the attention was positive.
In an interview with ESPN published on Saturday, August 10, Raygun defended her approach to the sport, emphasizing her focus on creativity rather than trying to match the power moves of her younger competitors. Despite losing three round robin-style battles on Friday to Team USA’s b-girl Logistx (21), France’s Syssy (16), and Lithuania’s Nicka (17), Raygun remains unfazed by the criticism and mockery that followed.
“I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best — their power moves,” Raygun explained. “What I bring is creativity.”
During her performances, many Olympic viewers took to social media to poke fun at her unique style, comparing her movements to a “kangaroo” or saying they resembled “what my nephew does after telling all of us to ‘watch this.'”
But Raygun stands by her originality. “All of my moves are original,” she told ESPN. “Creativity is really important to me. I go out there, and I show my artistry. Sometimes it speaks to the judges, and sometimes it doesn’t. I do my thing, and it represents art. That is what it is about.”
Raygun’s approach to breaking is rooted in her background as a jazz and ballroom dancer, disciplines she pursued before discovering breaking in her 20s. Now, as a university lecturer in Sydney, she even incorporates her passion for breaking into her academic work. According to her biography page at Macquarie University, she studies “the cultural politics of breaking,” blending her love for the sport with her scholarly pursuits.
Australia’s chef de mission, Anna Meares, also came to Raygun’s defense, criticizing the harsh and often sexist comments directed at the breakdancer. Meares highlighted the challenges Raygun has faced in a male-dominated sport and praised her resilience and determination.
“I love Rachael, and I think that what has occurred on social media with trolls and keyboard warriors, and taking those comments and giving them airtime, has been really disappointing,” Meares said on Saturday, according to ESPN. “Raygun is an absolutely loved member of this Olympic team. She has represented the Olympic team, the Olympic spirit with great enthusiasm. And I absolutely love her courage. I love her character, and I feel very disappointed for her, that she has come under the attack that she has.”
Meares went on to share more about Raygun’s journey, noting that back in 2008, Raygun found herself in tears, struggling as the only woman in a room full of male breakdancers. Despite the odds, she persevered, driven by her love for the sport. This perseverance eventually led her to win the Olympic qualifying event and secure her place in Paris, where she represented Australia as their top female breakdancer.
“In 2008, she was locked in a room crying, being involved in a male-dominated sport as the only woman, and it took great courage for her to continue on and fight for her opportunity to participate in a sport that she loved,” Meares added. “That got her to winning the Olympic qualifying event to be here in Paris. She is the best breakdancer female that we have for Australia.”
Raygun’s Olympic journey, while challenging, has highlighted her dedication to breaking and her commitment to staying true to her unique style. As she continues to push boundaries and challenge expectations, Raygun remains an inspiring figure, both on the dance floor and beyond.
