In brief
Rachael Gunn, the Australian breaker who gained international attention at the Paris Olympics, has announced her retirement from competition, citing the distressing backlash to her performance. Known as B-girl Raygun, the 37-year-old university lecturer faced harsh criticism after she failed to score in all three rounds due to her unorthodox routine featuring moves like the “sprinkler” and “kangaroo hop.” Initially intending to continue competing, the overwhelming negativity—including violent messages and an anonymous petition demanding an apology—has led her to reconsider.
Appearing on local radio station 2DayFM, Gunn expressed disappointment over not being able to control the way others perceived her. "I was going to keep competing for sure, but that seems really difficult for me to do now," she reflected, noting the scrutiny that would inevitably follow. Despite receiving support from Olympic officials, the reaction has polarized the breaking community, leading to conversations about the appropriateness of breaking as an Olympic sport. Lasting sentiments of joy and freedom in dance seem to have dimmed for Gunn, who now prefers to dance privately at home with her partner.
