Rachael Gunn, a 36-year-old cultural studies lecturer at Macquarie University in Sydney, made waves at the Paris 2024 Olympics with her unconventional performance in the women’s breaking competition. Known as B-girl Raygun, Gunn stood out not only for her attire, which contrasted sharply with the typical hip-hop fashion of her competitors, but also for her unique, non-traditional moves.
Gunn’s routine included less typical elements like a crab walk and a chin-holding squirm, which she incorporated into her performance. She entered the competition aware that she might not be a favorite, and her expectations were met when she lost all three of her round-robin battles with 18-0 scores and failed to earn a single vote from the judges.
Despite her lack of success in the competition, Gunn’s performance sparked a lot of discussion and debate online. Some praised her for her originality and for challenging the norms of the sport, while others criticized her for her lack of technical skill and for not taking the competition seriously.
Gunn responded to the online trolling by posting a quote on her Instagram: “Don’t be afraid to be different, go out there and represent yourself, you never know where that’s gonna take you.” She also expressed her hope that her performance would inspire a new generation of people to get into breaking.
Gunn’s performance at the Olympics was a reminder that breaking is a diverse and inclusive sport that welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. It is a sport that celebrates creativity, individuality, and self-expression.
