Rachael Gunn, Known as Raygun, Announces Retirement After Paris Olympics Backlash
In a surprising turn of events, Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, famously known as Raygun, has declared her retirement from competitive breakdancing. This announcement comes in the wake of significant backlash following her performance at the Paris Olympics.
Speaking candidly on Australia’s 2DayFM “The Jimmy and Nath Show,” Gunn shared her decision: “I’m not going to compete anymore, no. I was going to keep competing, for sure, but that seems really difficult for me to do now — to approach a battle. Yeah, I mean I still dance, and I still break. But, you know, that’s like in my living room with my partner.”
The scrutiny of Olympic fame
Gunn expressed her concerns over the intense scrutiny that accompanies competitive events, especially with the pervasive nature of social media. “I think the level of scrutiny that’s going to be there, and people will be filming it, and it will go online. It’s just not going to mean the same thing, and it’s not going to be the same experience because of everything that’s at stake,” she explained.
The breakdancer became an online sensation during the women’s breaking competition at the 2024 Olympics in August. Unfortunately, her performance, which saw her exit without scoring, drew widespread criticism and sparked a plethora of memes. Competing against the likes of the U.S.’s Logan Edra, Lithuania’s Dominika Banevič, and France’s Sya Dembélé, Gunn’s unconventional moves were at the center of the debate. Allegations also surfaced, accusing her of manipulating Australia’s Olympic selection process.
A plea for respect and privacy
Reflecting on the public’s reaction, Gunn said, “It was really upsetting because I felt like I just didn’t have any control over how people saw me or who I was.” In response to the backlash, Gunn addressed her followers in an emotional video on Instagram. “When I went out there I had fun. I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics. I gave my all, truly. I am honored to have been a part of the Australian Olympic team and been a part of breaking’s Olympic debut.”
She further appealed to the media: “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. Everyone has been through a lot as a result of this. I ask you to respect their privacy.”
As breaking is set to be excluded from the next Olympic Games in 2028 in Los Angeles, Gunn’s departure marks a poignant moment for the sport, highlighting the challenges athletes face in the spotlight of the global stage.