Raygun is making waves in the breaking community, and it’s not all for the reasons she might have hoped. Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, an Australian Olympian, has come under fire for her performance at the Paris Games. Although she’s known for her talent in the breaking world, her controversial routine in the round-robin stage has sparked heated debates, internet memes, and even some outrage.
In her first public statement since the performance went viral, Gunn apologized for the backlash but confidently asserted her position as Australia’s top B-girl.
Her performance, which involved unconventional moves like hopping like a kangaroo and flailing on the floor, quickly caught the internet’s attention. Whether fans loved or hated it, there is no denying that Raygun has people talking. But how did this all unfold, and what does Gunn have to say in response?
Raygun's Olympic Moment That Went Viral
Raygun’s performance at the Paris Games went viral for all the wrong reasons. In an attempt to stand out, she incorporated moves that, to say the least, shocked the audience. One move in particular, dubbed the “kangaroo,” saw Gunn hold her arms close to her body, lean back, and kick one leg in the air. It was not long before this quirky move became the centerpiece of viral social media memes, with people all over the world re-creating her dance.
Gunn / IG / The backlash was swift. Many in the breaking community felt that her performance didn’t do justice to the art form.
However, others saw it as a light-hearted, creative expression that might have just missed the mark. But regardless of opinion, the world was watching. Raygun’s Olympic routine became one of the most talked-about moments of the Games, sparking both criticism and praise.
The B-Girl Apologizes to the Breaking Community
Raygun’s performance did not just go viral, It sparked a heated backlash within the breaking community. Many saw her routine as disrespectful to the culture and art of breaking. In her first interview after the Paris Games, Gunn expressed her regret over the negative attention her performance attracted. She appeared on Australia’s Network 10 show, "The Project," where she addressed the criticisms directly.
It was clear that she didn’t intend for her routine to cause such a stir, but the apology was met with mixed reactions. Some appreciated her willingness to address the backlash, while others still felt that the routine didn’t reflect well on the breaking community.
Raygun's Record Speaks on Being Australia’s Top B-Girl
Despite the criticism, Raygun remains firm in her belief that she is Australia’s best female breaker. When asked during the interview if she genuinely believes this, she responded confidently: “I think my record speaks to that.”
Gunn / IG / At 37 years old, Gunn has had a long and successful career in the breaking scene. Her journey to the Paris Games was the culmination of years of hard work, and she clearly stands by her track record.
However, her Olympic performance has raised questions about whether her style is truly representative of the elite level of breaking expected at the Games. Critics argue that breaking is about more than just pushing boundaries. It is about precision, culture, and respect for the art. But for Raygun, her body of work seems to outweigh this single performance. Her confidence suggests that she believes her contribution to breaking in Australia is undeniable, even if the kangaroo move didn’t land well with everyone.
In the same interview, she shared how “really wild” it was to be chased by the media after the Paris Games. For better or worse, Raygun’s routine became a cultural moment. One that brought breaking into mainstream conversations.