In a significant development for the breaking community, Olympian Rachael “Raygun” Gunn has announced her retirement from competitive breaking. She cited the intense and often harsh reactions to her performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics as the driving factor behind her decision to step away from the sport she loves.
“I still break, but I don’t compete. I’m not going to compete any more. No. No,” Gunn expressed during an emotional interview with 2DayFM this past Thursday, indicating a definitive break from the competitive arena.
“I was going to keep competing, for sure, but that seems really difficult for me to do now to approach a battle,” she added, reflecting on the mental toll the controversy has taken on her.
“It’s been really upsetting. I just didn’t have any control over how people saw me or who I was,” Gunn articulated, highlighting her struggle with public perceptions that often feel beyond her control.
Gunn passionately asserted, “Dancing is so much fun, and it makes you feel good. I don’t think people should feel crap about the way that they dance. If you get out there, and you have fun on the dance floor, then just own it,” encouraging others to embrace their joy in dance despite the criticisms.
Despite her efforts to shine at the Games, Gunn’s unique performance in Paris faced severe backlash, with critics accusing her of disrespecting breaking culture. The performance became fodder for internet memes and conspiracy theories that cast doubt on her selection as a representative for the Australian team.
Some internet trolls went so far as to allege that her husband and coach, Samuel Free, had orchestrated her inclusion in the Australian team, leading to a petition on change.com demanding clarity and transparency regarding her selection.
In a strong defense, both the Australian Olympic Committee and AUSBreaking rejected these claims, denouncing the petition as “vexatious, misleading and bullying,” affirming Gunn’s rightful place on the team.
Rachael “Raygun” Gunn unexpectedly emerged as a prominent figure during the Paris Olympics. (AAP Image: Dan Himbrechts)
In a poignant press conference, Australian chef de mission Anna Meares condemned the misogynistic undercurrents of the criticism directed at Gunn, commending the young athlete’s bravery in the face of such adversity.
“Look, it’s surreal,” Gunn remarked, trying to grapple with the whirlwind of events and online discourse. “It’s still impossible to process. The conspiracy theories were totally wild.”
Yet, amidst the turmoil, Gunn remains focused on the positive feedback she has received from supporters. “The people that have like [said], you have inspired me to go out there and do something that I’ve been too shy to do. You’ve brought joy, you’ve brought laughter. You know, we’re so proud of you,” she expressed gratefully, cherishing the uplifting messages.
Gunn was ranked the number one female breaker in Oceania, a designation cemented by her triumph at the Oceania championships in October 2023, which secured her spot in the historic Games where breaking made its debut.
However, despite the initial excitement of her Olympic journey, Gunn has confirmed that she will not entertain the idea of competing in the next scheduled Games in Los Angeles in 2028, regardless of breaking’s status in the Olympic program.
**Interview with Rachael “Raygun” Gunn**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Rachael. We understand this has been a challenging time for you. Can you share what led to your decision to retire from competitive breaking?
**Raygun:** Thank you for having me. It’s been really tough. The backlash I experienced after my performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics was overwhelming. I had intended to keep competing, but the negativity made it incredibly difficult for me to even think about stepping onto the battle floor again.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned feeling like you had no control over how people saw you. Can you elaborate on that?
**Raygun:** Absolutely. It felt like I was being judged not just for my performance, but for who I am as a person. People were quick to form opinions and spread misinformation. I just wanted to dance and have fun, but all of this negativity overshadowed that joy.
**Interviewer:** You’ve always spoken passionately about dance. How do you feel about dancing outside of competition now?
**Raygun:** Dancing is an escape for me. I still love to break, and I always will. It brings me so much joy. I just want others to remember that dancing should be about having fun, not facing judgment. If you feel good on the dance floor, own it!
**Interviewer:** How do you respond to those who criticized your performance and questioned your selection for the Australian team?
**Raygun:** It hurts to see that kind of criticism. My performance was authentic to me, and I worked very hard to get there. The Australian Olympic Committee and AUSBreaking have been supportive, and their defense meant a lot. I hope people can recognize the effort and talent it takes to be in this position.
**Interviewer:** What message would you like to send to aspiring dancers who might face similar challenges?
**Raygun:** Keep dancing for yourself. Don’t let negativity or external opinions deter you from what you love. Dance is about expression and joy. Embrace your individuality and always remember why you started dancing in the first place.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Rachael. Your perspective on this situation is inspiring, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
**Raygun:** Thank you! I appreciate it.
