Australian breakdancer Raygun has spoken out following the announcement that breakdancing will not be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Born Rachael Gunn, she gained attention for her performance at the Paris Games, where she quickly went viral despite scoring zero points in her routine.
Reflecting on the decision to exclude her sport, Gunn expressed disappointment, saying, “It was disappointing that it was decided it wouldn’t be in LA, especially before we even had a chance to showcase it. That seemed a bit premature. I wonder if they’re kicking themselves now?”
Questioning what constitutes an Olympic sport, she added, “What are the similarities between dressage, artistic swimming, the 100m sprint, and the pentathlon? Breaking is clearly athletic and demands a high level of dedication across various aspects. It brings a new level of excitement to the Olympics.”
During her time in Paris, Gunn participated in three women’s breaking battles, scoring zero points in each bout. Her unique style drew both admiration and criticism online, with some viewers poking fun at her performances.
Despite the backlash, the 36-year-old remains undeterred and committed to her craft. “All my moves are original,” Raygun stated. “Creativity is really important to me. I go out there and showcase my artistry. Sometimes it resonates with the judges, and sometimes it doesn’t. I do my thing, and it represents art. That’s what it’s all about.”
Breaking judge MGbility, also known as Martin Gilian, weighed in on the decision to award Gunn zero points, explaining that her competitors had more polished routines. “The breaking and hip-hop community definitely stands by her. She was striving to bring something new and original that represents her country,” he said.
Gilian elaborated, “We support her. Our comparative judging system considers five criteria. Unfortunately, her level was not as high as the other competitors, but that doesn’t mean she performed poorly. She gave it her all.”
As the conversation continues around the future of breakdancing in competitive sports, Gunn remains hopeful about her impact on the dance scene and continues to advocate for the sport she loves.
Credit: Sport Bible
