Australian breakdancer Raygun has decided to retire from competitive breakdancing following the backlash she faced after her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Raygun, whose real name is Rachael Gunn, stirred controversy with her routine that included moves like the ‘kangaroo’, ‘taming the cobra’, and ‘the sprinkler’, failing to earn any points in the competition rounds she participated in. The introduction of breakdancing as an Olympic sport met with mixed reactions, and it won’t be featured in the upcoming Games in Los Angeles in 2028 or Brisbane in 2032.
The 37-year-old Sydney university lecturer expressed regret over her routine and acknowledged the backlash it received, attributing some of it to a lack of understanding of the sport. While Raygun no longer competes professionally, she still enjoys breakdancing at home with her partner. In a radio interview with The Jimmy and Nath Show on 2DayFM, she emphasised the joy of dancing and encouraged people not to feel discouraged about their dancing skills.
Despite being named the top female breakdancer globally by the sport’s governing body, Raygun stated that she will not pursue Olympic competition again. She cited the intense scrutiny and pressure associated with the Games as factors that would detract from the experience. The criticism she faced took a toll on her mental health, with Raygun highlighting the seriousness with which she approached the competition and condemning the abusive treatment she endured.
Raygun’s retirement marks the end of a chapter in her breakdancing career, one that brought both acclaim and criticism. While she no longer competes on the professional stage, her passion for dancing remains undiminished as she embraces a new chapter post-Olympics. The legacy of her controversial performance serves as a reminder of the challenges and rewards that come with pushing boundaries in sports and the importance of mental well-being in high-pressure environments.