Raygun: Courage and Creativity at the Paris Games
Rachael Gunn, also known as B-girl Raygun, made her mark at the Paris Games, captivating audiences worldwide. As a 36-year-old university lecturer from Sydney, Australia, Gunn balances her academic role with her passion for breakdancing, competing globally. Her Olympic debut has been a whirlwind, earning her viral fame and mixed reviews.
Raygun represented Australia at the Games held at the Place de la Concorde, where 32 B-boys and B-girls competed. Dressed in the iconic green and gold of her country, she performed three distinctive routines featuring a kangaroo hop, a backwards roll, and intricate body contortions. Unfortunately, she did not score points against her competitors—Logistx from the USA, Syssy from France, and Nicka from Lithuania—losing 18-0 in each match. Her performances drew varied responses online. Some Twitter users described her routines as “hilariously ridiculous,” and even singer Adele questioned their seriousness during a concert.
Despite the criticism, Raygun is undeterred. A lecturer at Sydney’s Macquarie University, her academic interests align with her passion for street dance, hip-hop culture, and the art of breaking. Her commitment to originality and creativity is evident. “All my moves are original,” Raygun emphasized after her Olympic experience. “Creativity is really important to me. I go out there and I show my artistry. Sometimes, it speaks to the judges, and sometimes, it doesn’t.”
Many in the breaking community have come to Raygun’s defense, highlighting her originality. Martin Gilian, the chief breaking judge at the Olympics, praised her for bringing something new and representing hip-hop authentically. Sergey Nifontov, the general secretary of the World DanceSport Federation, expressed concern over the harsh social media reactions, emphasizing that such negativity is unwelcome in the community.
Raygun’s journey in breaking began in her mid-20s after a background in ballroom, jazz, tap, and hip-hop dance. Competing against B-girls half her age in Paris was both a challenge and a privilege. Her Olympic participation was a testament to her courage and dedication to the sport. At the closing ceremony, she received enthusiastic support from teammates and fans during a street performance.
Anna Meares, Australia’s chef de mission and a former professional cyclist, praised Gunn’s resilience and determination. “If you don’t know Rachael’s story, in 2008, she was locked in a room crying being involved in a male-dominated sport as the only woman, and it took great courage for her to continue on and fight for her opportunity to participate in a sport that she loved,” Meares shared, highlighting Gunn’s journey to the Olympics.
Breaking, which originated in the 1970s in New York City as part of hip-hop culture, has grown globally. While some debate its classification as a sport, the International Olympic Committee added it to the Games to appeal to younger audiences, alongside skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing. However, breaking will not feature in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, leaving its future Olympic presence uncertain.
Raygun’s Olympic journey is a story of courage, creativity, and character, showcasing the spirit of breaking and the essence of artistic expression in the face of adversity.
