Raygun Retires from Competitive Breakdancing After Backlash Following Paris Olympics

The Australian, ridiculed for her unconventional moves at the Games, says competing has become “really difficult” for her.

A Rough Olympic Debut for Raygun

Australian breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn announced her retirement from competition, citing the negative backlash she received after her performance at the Paris Olympics as a driving factor. Gunn, 37, became an overnight viral sensation, but for all the wrong reasons. Her unique routine — featuring moves like kangaroo hops and a sprinkler imitation — was widely criticized, scoring poorly with judges and sparking mockery online and in media outlets.

Her performance was replayed and parodied on late-night talk shows, and her green Olympic team tracksuit was equally ridiculed on social media.

“It’s Been Really Upsetting”

Speaking to Sydney’s 2DayFM, Gunn admitted that she no longer feels comfortable competing on the breakdancing floor. “I’m not going to compete any more,” she shared. “I was going to keep competing, for sure, but that seems really difficult for me to do now to approach a battle.”

She went on to say that while she still dances at home, the experience at the Olympics and the subsequent online ridicule left her feeling powerless. “I just didn’t have any control over how people saw me or who I was,” Gunn explained.

Conspiracy Theories and Public Backlash- Raygun

Gunn’s journey to the Olympics sparked heated debate, with conspiracy theories emerging over how she secured her spot on the Australian team. Some online petitions even suggested she manipulated the qualification process, gathering over 50,000 signatures before the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) requested its removal. The AOC also denied allegations that her husband, Samuel Free, who also serves as her coach, had any influence over her selection.

Gunn addressed the controversies, calling them “totally wild,” but emphasized that the support she received from fans helped her persevere. “People have said, ‘you have inspired me to go out there and do something that I’ve been too shy to do,’” she added.

Support and a Surprise Ranking

Despite the criticism, Gunn received backing from fellow Australian Olympians and even the country’s prime minister. In September, she had a surprising moment of validation when the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF) ranked her as the number one women’s breakdancer globally. This brief recognition was based on her win at the Oceania Championship, one of the few events that counted towards the WDSF rankings prior to the Olympics.

Looking Forward

With breakdancing set to be removed from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Gunn has stated she has no plans to return, even if the sport were to be reinstated. For now, she’s choosing to focus on the positive impacts of her journey, inspiring others through her unique approach to the sport.

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