Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, the Australian breakdancer who became one of the most talked-about athletes during the 2024 Paris Olympics, has announced her retirement from competitive breaking. This decision comes after facing intense online scrutiny following her performance at the Games. Despite the viral sensation her routines created, which included moves like the kangaroo hop and the sprinkler, Gunn’s experience at the Olympics was marked by a mix of widespread ridicule and unexpected support.
At the 2024 Olympics, breaking made its debut as a competitive sport. Gunn, who had qualified for the event by winning the 2023 Oceania Championships, was one of the athletes representing Australia in this new discipline. However, despite her enthusiasm and determination, she was eliminated in the first round of the competition. Her performance, while innovative and playful, became fodder for viral memes and jokes on social media. The kangaroo hop and the sprinkler moves that were unique to her style sparked both admiration and mockery. While some appreciated the creativity of her routines, others were quick to criticize her technique and performance, dismissing them as gimmicks rather than serious attempts at competition.
The online reaction to Gunn’s Olympic performance was overwhelming, and not in a positive way. What followed was a wave of scrutiny and conspiracy theories about how she had qualified for the Games, with people questioning the legitimacy of her ranking. Gunn was deeply affected by the negative attention. She described how difficult it was to process the backlash, particularly the wild conspiracy theories that seemed to spiral out of control. She felt powerless in the face of the public’s judgment and the way her story was portrayed.
Despite the criticism, Gunn managed to find some solace in the positive messages she received. Fans reached out to her, telling her that her presence at the Olympics had inspired them to pursue their own passions or take up breaking. These messages of support helped her maintain a sense of perspective, allowing her to push through the challenging moments. Gunn reflected on these notes of encouragement, keeping a folder filled with them to remind herself of the positive impact she had made. These messages, she said, were what helped her stay positive and continue moving forward.
Although Gunn has decided to step away from competitive breaking, she has not entirely walked away from the dance world. She continues to break privately, practicing at home with her partner. However, she made it clear that the idea of competing again, particularly in front of the same public eye that scrutinized her during the Olympics, no longer appealed to her. The level of exposure and the pressure of being constantly filmed and judged online made the prospect of returning to the competitive scene feel daunting. Gunn acknowledged that she could never experience breaking in the same way again due to the weight of public opinion and the stakes involved in every performance.
Gunn’s journey in the sport had already been a rollercoaster ride. Before the Olympics, she had enjoyed a successful career in the breaking scene. She was known for her innovative style and unique moves, earning respect from her peers. Her victory at the 2023 Oceania Championships had earned her a place at the Olympics, and in a quirk of ranking calculations, she was even named the top-ranked female athlete in the sport shortly after the Games. However, the excitement around her ranking soon turned into more online vitriol, as critics resurfaced to challenge her place in the competition. The response left her feeling disheartened, but she chose to focus on the positives.
In the wake of the Olympics, Gunn found herself in the spotlight in ways she had not anticipated. She was invited to events, met prominent figures like Sir Richard Branson, and appeared in glossy magazines. These moments of recognition were validating, showing that there was more to her story than the online negativity. Additionally, she was featured in an online campaign for a comparison website, marking a new chapter in her career outside of competitive dance. However, despite the increased public attention and opportunities, Gunn felt conflicted. She appreciated the recognition but couldn’t shake the feeling that she had become a target for ridicule rather than being celebrated for her skill and passion.
The decision to retire from competitive breaking was a personal one for Gunn. She realized that continuing to compete would no longer feel the same, given the immense pressure that now surrounded her. The scrutiny, the filming, and the commentary would overshadow the joy she once felt in dancing and competing. Gunn’s experience highlights a larger issue in the world of competitive sports, where athletes are often judged not just for their performance but for their persona and the narrative created around them. For Gunn, the harsh online criticism overshadowed the positive aspects of her journey, making it difficult to continue with the same level of enthusiasm.
Looking ahead, Gunn remains passionate about breaking, even though her competitive career has come to an end. While the Olympics may no longer be part of her future, she continues to find joy in dancing for herself, away from the public eye. Her journey serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face, not only in their sport but in how they are perceived and treated by the public.
