Raygun, the Australian breakdancer who sparked a media storm with her Paris Olympics performance, has announced her retirement from competition. Known off-stage as Rachael Gunn, Raygun shared on Australian radio that she no longer wants to face the intense criticism and social media scrutiny surrounding her performances.
Raygun Bows Out After Controversial Olympic Debut
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Breaking made its Olympic debut this summer, but Raygun's performance quickly became a lightning rod for controversy. In three round-robin battles, she failed to score, losing 18-0 each time, as per NPR.
Social media users harshly critiqued her moves, with reactions ranging from descriptions of her style as "eccentric" to debates about her involvement in a hip-hop-rooted sport as a white woman from academia. Her routine was soon transformed into viral memes and even spoofed on late-night TV.
"It's surreal and it's still impossible to process," Gunn reflected during her recent interview on The Jimmy and Nath Show on 2DayFM. When asked if she'd consider returning for another Olympics, Gunn responded with a firm "no," explaining that the backlash had left a lasting impact.
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Facing the Impact of Going Viral
Beyond the scorecards, Raygun shared the personal toll of her experience. "It was really upsetting because I felt like I just didn't have any control over how people saw me - or who I was," she said. Originally, Gunn had intended to continue competing internationally, but the public reaction has made that prospect daunting.
Though breaking will not be featured in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Gunn plans to stay involved in dance. "I still dance and I still break, but that's, like, in my living room with my partner," she shared.
Raygun to Embrace New Chapter of Her Life
Despite the challenges, Gunn remains optimistic. CNN reports that she has found comfort in supportive messages from fans and plans to focus on projects that inspire others to "dance, have fun, and be themselves."
With three World Championship appearances and a recent win at the Oceania Breaking Championships under her belt, Raygun's journey may be shifting—but her passion for dance remains as fierce as ever.
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