The 2024 Paris Olympics was a spectacle of athletic prowess, beauty, and captivating moments. However, one standout event that continues to rivet the internet is the performance of Raygun, a.k.a. Rachel Gunn, the Australian B-girl. While she didn’t win a single point in the women’s breaking competition, her unique style has made her a pop-cultural phenomenon, sparking both admiration and controversy.
Raygun, a 36-year-old dancer and lecturer at Sydney’s Macquarie University, has a diverse background. She holds a PhD in cultural studies and describes herself as fascinated by the cultural politics of breaking. Her research interests range from breaking and hip-hop culture to gender performance and youth cultures. Beyond her academic achievements, Gunn has a rich history in jazz and ballroom dancing, discovering breaking during her courtship with her now-husband, fellow breaker Samuel Free.
Raygun’s journey to the Olympics was impressive. She was the top-ranked B-girl in the Australian Breaking Association in 2020 and 2021, representing Australia at the World DanceSport Federation Breaking Championships from 2021 to 2023, and claiming victory at the WDSF Oceania Breaking Championships in 2023. Despite her disappointing Olympic performance, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Raygun’s unique approach, highlighting her courage and spirit in representing her country.
However, Raygun’s rise to fame has been shrouded in controversy. Rumors circulated about her husband being a judge at the WDSF Oceania Breaking Championships, suggesting a conflict of interest in her Olympic qualification. A Change.org petition alleged, without substantial evidence, that Gunn manipulated the selection process by forming her own governing body for breakdancing and denying funds to underprivileged youth breakers. Other criticisms have targeted the essence of breaking itself, questioning who holds ownership of a discipline born in Black and Brown communities in the Bronx.
Despite the criticisms, Raygun remains unwavering in her artistic vision. She told ESPN that her intention was to present something novel and creative, emphasizing her strength in artistic expression. Recognizing her limitations in dynamic power moves, she opted for a more artistic approach, aiming to make a unique mark on the international stage. This underdog spirit, her defiance against traditional norms, has resonated with many, making her a symbol of artistic courage and individuality.
The internet has embraced Raygun, generating a plethora of imitations, reactions, and memes. Celebrities like Adele have expressed their admiration for Raygun’s performance, adding to the wave of online enthusiasm. Her story is a testament to the power of individual expression, artistic defiance, and the ability to capture the global imagination even without winning a single point.
