Olympic-breaking judge praises Raygun for its unique creativity and originality, highlighting what sets it apart in the competitive landscape.
The chief adjudicator of the Olympic breaking competition has endorsed Rachael Gunn of Team Australia, following her unconventional routine in Paris that sparked a flurry of online debate. Competing under the moniker Raygun, Gunn faced elimination from the B-Girls category after scoring a zero, eliciting a mixed reception of derision and admiration for her distinctive approach. “Breaking is fundamentally about innovation and introducing novel elements… and this is precisely what Raygun accomplished,” asserted Martin Gilian, who defended the athlete’s performance. Gilian, known in the breaking world as MGbility, highlighted that Gunn’s elimination should not be interpreted as a reflection of poor performance but rather a testament to the sport’s highly competitive judging framework.
At 36 years old and a university lecturer from Sydney by day, Gunn’s performance diverged markedly from her younger competitors, many in their early twenties. Her routines on Friday rapidly captured the online spotlight, spurring a torrent of memes and video parodies, which scrutinized everything from her attire to her eligibility. Gilian underscored that Gunn’s performance and score should not overshadow her past successes, including her notable achievement in the Oceania qualifiers. He lauded her for her inventive choreography, which featured moves such as the “sprinkler” and, arguably, her most contentious maneuver—emulating a kangaroo’s hop. “She drew inspiration from her environment, such as a kangaroo, which significantly influenced her choreography,” remarked Gilian.
Gunn, who boasts a background in jazz, tap, and ballroom dancing, articulated her artistic vision for the performance. “I was aware that I couldn’t outshine the other competitors in their specialty areas—dynamic and power moves—so I opted to express myself differently, embracing artistic and creative elements, as few have the opportunity to do so on an international stage,” she explained.
In a press conference on Sunday, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the negative scrutiny directed at Gunn, emphasizing that the true spirit of the Olympics is rooted in participation and effort. “The Olympics is about individuals engaging in sport… and Raygun gave it her all, and that’s commendable,” Albanese stated. Support for Gunn has also been voiced by team officials and the breaking community, who have rallied to offer mental health support and challenge the online criticism. Australian Olympic legend Anna Meares, the team’s chef de mission in Paris, condemned the negativity from social media and praised Gunn’s bravery and character. “I deeply admire her courage and distinctive personality,” Meares remarked.
Jeff ‘J-Attack’ Dunne, who competed in the men’s division on Sunday, also expressed admiration for his teammate. “She represented with tremendous dedication, and as Australia’s leading female breaker, she has my full respect,” Dunne affirmed.
Breaking, a dance style with roots in 1970s New York hip-hop culture, was incorporated into this year’s Olympic roster to engage a younger audience. However, some critics argue that its spontaneous, organic nature may not align with the structured format of organized competition.
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