In a surprising announcement, Rachael Gunn, also known as B-girl Raygun, has revealed her decision to retire from competitive breaking due to the overwhelming negative response to her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 37-year-old university lecturer faced significant criticism after she failed to score in any of her three rounds, showcasing a routine that featured unconventional moves such as the sprinkler and the kangaroo hop.
B-girl Raygun Announces Retirement Following Olympic Controversy
B-girl Raygun Announces Retirement Following Olympic Controversy
Australian breaker Rachael Gunn, known as B-girl Raygun, steps back from competition after backlash to her Olympic performance.
Gunn's unique style brought her both fame and ridicule, sparking conspiracy theories about her qualification and reigniting debates over breaking’s place in Olympic events. Initially determined to continue competing, Gunn shared that the backlash harmed her enjoyment of the sport, prompting her retirement from the competitive arena.
"I just didn’t have any control over how people saw me or who I was," she expressed on local radio. Following the Olympics, Gunn reported receiving violent messages and faced a petition calling for her to apologize for what some claimed was manipulation of her selection process, a notion she fiercely denied. Despite backing from Olympic officials, the breaking community remained divided over her performance, with some critics arguing it disrespected the sport's integrity.
Furthermore, the controversy has reignited discussions about whether breaking should remain part of the Olympic lineup, especially given its creative nature, which clashes with standard competitive formats. While Gunn acknowledged that the intense scrutiny made it difficult to compete, she emphasized that her passion for dancing remains intact. "Dancing is so much fun, and it makes you feel good," she affirmed, indicating that despite her retirement, she continues to break for enjoyment in a personal setting with her partner.
"I just didn’t have any control over how people saw me or who I was," she expressed on local radio. Following the Olympics, Gunn reported receiving violent messages and faced a petition calling for her to apologize for what some claimed was manipulation of her selection process, a notion she fiercely denied. Despite backing from Olympic officials, the breaking community remained divided over her performance, with some critics arguing it disrespected the sport's integrity.
Furthermore, the controversy has reignited discussions about whether breaking should remain part of the Olympic lineup, especially given its creative nature, which clashes with standard competitive formats. While Gunn acknowledged that the intense scrutiny made it difficult to compete, she emphasized that her passion for dancing remains intact. "Dancing is so much fun, and it makes you feel good," she affirmed, indicating that despite her retirement, she continues to break for enjoyment in a personal setting with her partner.
