Olympic Breakdancer Raygun Addresses Backlash and Defends Her Performance

Rachael "Raygun" Gunn, an Australian breakdancer who gained viral attention during her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has recently spoken out about the backlash she received. In her first interview since the event, Gunn described the criticism as "really sad" and "alarming," noting that much of the negative feedback seemed to come from people unfamiliar with the sport of breaking and its diverse styles. She emphasized that while she regretted the backlash faced by the breakdancing community, she could not control how people reacted to her performance​(Peoplemag)​(Boise State Public Radio).

During the Olympics, Gunn's routine included unique elements like hopping like a kangaroo, which sparked online mockery and unfounded accusations of cheating in her selection for the Australian Olympic team. Despite losing all three of her competitions and the viral criticism that followed, Gunn defended her inclusion on the team, citing her ranking as Australia's top breaker from 2020 to 2023. She dismissed the cheating allegations as conspiracy theories and expressed disappointment over attacks on her integrity and the sport​(

Peoplemag)​(Boise State Public Radio).

Gunn, who is also a professor studying the "cultural politics of breaking" at Macquarie University, defended the diversity of breaking and expressed that she hoped for a better understanding and appreciation of the sport in the future​(Peoplemag).

For more details, you can read the full articles on People, Boise State Public Radio, and other sources.

Bibliography

1. People - "Australian Breakdancer Raygun Calls Out 'Alarming' Backlash Over Her Olympic Performance: 'It Was Really Sad.'" Accessed September 4, 2024. People.

2. Boise State Public Radio - "Raygun responds to Olympics breakdancing performance hate." Accessed September 4, 2024. Boise State Public Radio.