Raygun, the Australian breakdancer who faced significant criticism for her performance at the Paris Olympics, has announced her retirement from competitive dancing.
Known as Rachael Gunn in real life, she expressed on Australian radio earlier this week her reluctance to face the scrutiny that could accompany future performances, especially those that might be recorded and shared online.
“It’s just not going to hold the same significance,” she remarked. “The experience will be altered due to the pressures involved.”
Breaking made its Olympic debut this summer. During the Paris competition, Gunn did not score any points, suffering defeats of 18-0 in each of her three round-robin matches.
Responses to Gunn’s performance varied widely, with some describing her movements as unconventional, while others questioned her legitimacy in the sport as a white woman in academia, considering the dance style’s origins in the early New York hip-hop culture. Her routine became the subject of memes and was parodied on late-night television.
“It’s surreal, and I still find it hard to comprehend,” she stated.
During her appearance on Australia’s 2DayFM The Jimmy and Nath Show, Gunn dismissed the idea of competing in future Olympics. When co-host Nathan Roye inquired about her potential participation in four years, she promptly replied no.
She further commented, “It was truly disheartening because I felt powerless regarding how others perceived me—my identity, my partner, and my narrative.”
Although breaking will not feature in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Gunn had initially intended to continue competing after the Paris Games, prior to the backlash.
“Now, the thought of entering a battle feels incredibly daunting,” she admitted. “I still dance and break, but that occurs in my living room with my partner.”
Gunn mentioned that she has leaned on memes and encouraging messages from supporters to counterbalance the negativity she has encountered.
Despite not earning a medal in Paris, Gunn has represented Australia at the World Championships three times and has secured victory at the Oceania Breaking Championships.