Rachael Gunn Speaks Out After Breakdancing Backlash

Rachael Gunn competing as Raygun has apologized to the breakdancing community for the controversy surrounding her performance at the Paris Olympics. After her elimination from the B-Girls competition with a score of zero, Gunn’s unconventional routine featuring moves like the sprinkler and kangaroo hops triggered widespread ridicule and debate on social media.

In her first interview since the Games, Gunn addressed the backlash, expressing regret for the negative impact on the breakdancing community. She acknowledged the criticisms but noted that she cannot control public reactions. Despite her elimination, she defended her performance as “artistic and creative,” explaining that she chose to showcase a unique style rather than compete directly with more traditional breakdancing moves.

Gunn, a 36-year-old university lecturer with a background in various dance styles, faced accusations of manipulating the selection process, including claims that she set up her own governing body and had her husband judge her qualification trial. The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) have rejected these accusations.

The breakdancing community in Australia has become divided by the fallout. Australian hip-hop pioneer Spice criticized the performance as a mockery of the Australian scene. Despite this, Rachael Gunn has received support from top judges, team officials and fellow Olympians. In response to the media frenzy, Gunn has appealed for respect towards her family and friends and described the intense media scrutiny as distressing.

She admitted that she is not yet ready to re-watch her performance but has felt uplifted by the support from her peers and the public. Gunn remains focused on the positive aspects and the joy her performance brought to some.