Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, known by her stage name “Raygun,” announced her retirement from competitive breaking following intense criticism of her performance at the Paris Olympics. Gunn, who made history as part of the Olympic debut for breaking, struggled in her first-round battle, receiving no points and becoming a target for online backlash. This response, she revealed, has had a lasting impact on her decision to step away from competition.
“I’m Not Going to Compete Anymore,” -Raygun
In a candid interview on Australia’s 2DayFM “The Jimmy and Nath Show,” Gunn confirmed her decision. “I’m not going to compete anymore, no,” she shared, explaining that the scrutiny surrounding her Olympic appearance had reshaped her approach to breaking. “I was going to keep competing, for sure, but that seems really difficult for me to do now.” Gunn added that while she will still dance privately, the public nature of future competitions is something she’s no longer comfortable with. “The level of scrutiny that’s going to be there… it’s just not going to mean the same thing,” she said.
During the Olympics, Gunn’s performance became a viral topic. Competing against top athletes from the U.S., Lithuania, and France, her unconventional moves drew memes and criticism from audiences worldwide. Beyond technical criticism, Gunn faced accusations that she had manipulated Australia’s selection process to secure her Olympic spot—an allegation she has strongly denied.
Impact of Public Backlash
Gunn addressed the backlash directly in an emotional Instagram video posted shortly after her Olympic run. “When I went out there I had fun. I did take it very seriously,” she stated. Expressing her dedication, she shared, “I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics. I gave my all, truly.” Despite her Olympic disappointment, Gunn said she felt “honored to have been a part of the Australian Olympic team and breaking’s Olympic debut.”
In her statements, Gunn also urged for respect for her community, saying, “I really would like to ask the press to stop harassing my family, my friends, the Australian breaking community, and the broader street dance community.” Gunn’s retirement announcement marks the end of an unexpected and challenging chapter for both her career and the sport of Olympic breaking.