Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, the Australian Olympian who competed in the inaugural breakdancing competition at the Paris Olympics 2024, has broken her silence following intense backlash over her performance. Gunn went viral after losing all three of her matches 18-0 in the competition, facing harsh criticism from social media and celebrities. In a video posted on Instagram, the 36-year-old athlete expressed her disappointment at the negative response, stating she “didn’t realize” that participating in the Olympics would “open the door to so much hate,” which she described as “pretty devastating.”
Gunn’s Olympic routine, dubbed the “Raygun Full Performance,” featured unconventional moves like mimicking a snake, kangaroo, and even performing the sprinkler. These moves were widely mocked, including on late-night television. Despite the ridicule, Gunn emphasized that she took her Olympic training seriously, noting that she “worked [her] butt off” and gave her all during the competition. She also thanked those who supported her, saying, “I’m glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives — that’s what I hoped.”
The backlash didn’t end with social media commentary. A petition was launched demanding a full investigation into Gunn’s selection for the Australian Olympic team, a move denounced by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC). The AOC issued a statement defending Gunn, calling the petition “disgraceful” and accusing it of being defamatory. Matt Carroll, the AOC’s chief executive officer, said, “No athlete who has represented their country at the Olympic Games should be treated in this way.”
Gunn addressed the allegations of unfair selection and urged people to refer to official statements from the AOC and the World DanceSport Federation’s Breaking for Gold page, where her “Raygun Break Dancer” routine was also featured. She also asked the media to stop harassing her loved ones and the Australian breaking community. She requested privacy for those affected by the controversy, promising to answer more questions after her return to Australia.
Adding to the drama, Gunn’s appearance was also criticized. While her competitors donned street clothes, she wore her Australian Olympic tracksuit and cap during the “Raygun Olympics” event. Gunn, however, remained positive in her response, expressing her pride in representing Australia and being part of breaking’s Olympic debut. She also noted the phenomenal achievements of her fellow athletes.
Members of Gunn’s family have also spoken out in her defense. Her father-in-law, Andrew Free, criticized the judges’ scoring, suggesting they didn’t reward Gunn’s originality and musicality, which put her at a disadvantage. Despite the controversy, Free emphasized that Gunn represented Australia with “courage and dignity.”
In the women’s Olympic breaking competition, Japan’s Ami Yuasa won gold, Lithuania’s Dominika Banevic earned silver, and China’s Liu Qingyi secured bronze. While Gunn’s performance may not have met expectations, her participation in the Paris Olympics 2024 was a historic moment for breaking, marking its debut on the global stage.
