Critics Face Off Against Australian Breakdancer Raygun
2024 Olympics: Australia’s Olympic Chief Defends Breakdancer Raygun from “Disappointing” Attacks
Raygun is breaking free of the criticism.
After the Australian breakdancer (real name: Rachael Gunn) raised eyebrows for her performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, she pushed back at the hate.
“I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best—their power moves,” Gunn explained during an Aug. 10 press conference, per ESPN. “What I bring is creativity.”
Raygun’s Aug. 9 performance went viral for its unconventionally simple moves—which earned her zero points from the judges. And while breaking is judged on creativity, personality, technique, variety, musicality and vocabulary, many users on social media pointed out the lack of difficulty involved in Raygun’s routine. Still, Gunn maintains her skill.
“All of my moves are original,” Gunn added. “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. I do my thing, and it represents art. That is what it is about.”
The 36-year-old is at the very least familiar with the ins-and-outs of breaking, and even lectures at her alma mater Macquarie University and, according to her staff profile, is interested in research involving the “cultural politics” of the activity.