Sep 4, 2024, 10:44 AM
Sep 4, 2024, 12:00 AM

Raygun defends record as Australia's best breakdancer

Provocative
Highlights
  • Racheal Gunn, known as Raygun, received a score of zero in the B-Girls competition at the Paris Olympics, leading to ridicule on social media.
  • She faced accusations of manipulating the selection process, which were denied by the Australian Olympic Committee and the World DanceSport Federation.
  • Despite the backlash, Gunn emphasized her artistic approach and received support from fellow Olympians and the breakdancing community.
Story

Racheal Gunn, competing as Raygun, faced significant backlash after her performance in the B-Girls competition at the Paris Olympics, where she received a score of zero. This outcome led to widespread ridicule on social media, with her unconventional style, including moves like the sprinkler and kangaroo hopping, becoming the subject of memes. Despite the criticism, Gunn defended her artistic approach, stating that she aimed to stand out rather than compete directly with more dynamic dancers. The fallout from her performance included unfounded accusations of manipulating the selection process, which were dismissed by the Australian Olympic Committee and the World DanceSport Federation. Gunn, a top-ranked Australian B-girl in 2020, 2022, and 2023, expressed her sorrow for the negative impact on the breakdancing community, emphasizing that she could not control public reactions. In her interview, she reflected on the overwhelming media attention following her performance, describing it as "really wild" and noted that she was not yet ready to rewatch her routine. However, she appreciated the support from fellow Olympians and the public, which helped her focus on the positives of her experience. The inclusion of breaking in the Olympics aimed to attract a younger audience, but it has sparked debate about whether such an organic dance form fits into a competitive framework. Despite the controversy, Gunn remains a prominent figure in the Australian breakdancing scene, with her past achievements underscoring her talent and dedication to the art form.

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