Australian breakdance representative Reagan performs during the preliminary round of the competition held at Place de la Concorde in Paris, France on the 9th (local time). [사진출처 = AP 연합뉴스]
An Australian skater who faced global mockery after competing in the women’s breaking event at the 2024 Paris Olympics has spoken out, asserting her commitment to competing in the Games.
Reagan (real name Rachel Gunn), who represented Australia, expressed gratitude in a video message shared on her Instagram on the 15th (local time), stating, “I want to thank everyone who supported me,” and added, “I’m glad I could bring joy to your lives. That was my goal.”
“I had no idea my performance would provoke so much negativity,” she remarked. “Honestly, it was quite surprising.”
Earlier, Reagan garnered significant attention on the 9th for performing a kangaroo-themed dance at a breakdancing event held at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, France.
Her performance during the third round of the group stage that day diverged significantly from traditional breakdancing. In a category known for its flashy dance moves that showcase physical skill, Reagan opted for unexpected moves, such as hopping around the stage like a kangaroo and swaying on the floor. The impressive techniques, like head spins, typically displayed by other competitors to achieve high scores, were absent from Reagan’s routine.
Judging in this competition involved assessors evaluating performances based on five criteria: technicality, variety, originality, execution, and musicality, awarding points to the dancer they deemed superior. Reagan’s score of zero indicated that not a single judge was persuaded during both the group stage and the third round.
Following the Olympics, online comments regarding Reagan’s breaking routine included, “This looks like my child throwing a tantrum” and “It resembles my dog rolling around in the yard.”
Parodies surfaced globally, including segments from American talk show host Jimmy Fallon, with some questioning the legitimacy of Reagan’s Olympic qualification. A petition was launched on an international site demanding an investigation into alleged irregularities in her selection process, which garnered over 45,000 signatures by the morning of the 15th.
Reagan asserted her dedication, saying, “I took the competition very seriously. I worked extremely hard to prepare for the Olympics and gave it my all.”
Earlier, Martin Gillian, the chief judge of breakdance, also defended her. “Breaking is about bringing something original and new while representing one’s country or region. That was Reagan’s intention,” Gillian explained. “She was inspired by her surroundings, which in this instance was a kangaroo. From our perspective, it wasn’t shocking.”
Reagan also addressed the doubts concerning her participation, stating, “Please refer to the recent statement released by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC),” emphasizing that she secured her spot fairly.
The AOC recently asserted, “No athlete representing their country in the Olympics should endure such treatment,” explaining, “Rachel Gunn was selected through a transparent and independent review process.” Additionally, the AOC contacted the international petition site requesting the immediate removal of the petition, which is currently inactive.
“I would like to urge the media to cease harassing my family, friends, and the Australian breakdance community,” Reagan stated. “They have faced numerous challenges, so please respect their privacy.”
Controversial Performance of Australian Breakdancer Reagan at the 2024 Paris Olympics
![Australian breakdance representative Reagan performs during the preliminary round of the competition held at Place de la Concorde in Paris, France on the 9th (local time). [사진출처 = AP 연합뉴스]](https://i0.wp.com/pimg.mk.co.kr/news/cms/202408/16/news-p.v1.20240816.eeed4559bf0b4c5a8d5c12c29a768a31_P1.jpg?w=800&ssl=1)
news/cms/202408/16/news-p.v1.20240816.eeed4559bf0b4c5a8d5c12c29a768a31_R.jpg" data-width="580" data-height="386"/>
Enlarge the photo
Australian breakdance representative Reagan performs during the preliminary round of the competition held at Place de la Concorde in Paris, France on the 9th (local time). [사진출처 = AP 연합뉴스]
An Australian skater who became the center of global scrutiny after competing in the women’s breaking event at the 2024 Paris Olympics has come forward to express her determination to continue competing. Reagan, whose real name is Rachel Gunn, posted a video message on her Instagram on the 15th, thanking supporters and expressing her surprise at the backlash she received.
Reagan’s Controversial Olympic Performance
Reagan performed during the preliminary rounds of the breaking event held at the iconic Place de la Concorde in Paris. Her performance, which included a kangaroo-themed dance, diverged significantly from traditional breakdancing styles that emphasize technical authority and physical prowess.
In the 3rd round of the group stage, Reagan’s moves included jumping around the stage akin to a kangaroo—a stark departure from the expected head spins and dynamic techniques common in breakdancing.
Judging Criteria in Breakdancing
The judging system for breaking competitions relies on five fundamental criteria:
- Technicality
- Variety
- Originality
- Execution
- Musicality
Unfortunately for Reagan, her performance scored zero, indicating that not a single judge was convinced by her stage presence or execution.
Global Reaction and Backlash
Reagan’s performance elicited a wave of negative comments online. Viewers compared her dance to children’s tantrums and even likened it to a dog playing in a yard. Such reactions prompted parodies worldwide, including from high-profile personalities like Jimmy Fallon.
Moreover, accusations arose claiming that Reagan had unfairly secured her Olympic spot. An international petition demanding an investigation into the selection process gained over 45,000 signatures, along with a surge of scrutiny directed at the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).
Reagan’s Response to Criticism
In light of the backlash, Reagan stated, “I didn’t know my game would generate so much hate. Honestly, it was quite shocking.” Despite the criticism, she remained steadfast in her commitment, adding, “I took the game very seriously. I worked really hard preparing for the Olympics and gave it my all.”
Support from the Breakdancing Community
Despite the criticism, support for Reagan emerged from various figures within the breaking community. Martin Gillian, the head judge, defended her performance, stating: “Breaking is about bringing something original and new and representing your country and region. That’s what Reagan was doing.” He emphasized that her kangaroo inspiration was not unexpected within the context of originality in dance.
Official Statements on Selection and Integrity
In response to the uproar, the Australian Olympic Committee released a statement asserting that Reagan’s selection was transparent and fair, urging that “No athlete representing their country in the Olympics should be treated this way.” They implored that the petition circulated online, which called for investigations into her candidacy, be removed, characterizing it as detrimental and misleading.
Privacy and Family Concerns
Reagan also reached out to the media, urging them to cease harassment towards her family and friends, who have experienced a significant emotional toll from the backlash. She highlighted the challenges that her loved ones have faced and called for respect of their privacy amidst the storm of negative attention.
Exploring the Culture of Breaking
Breaking is not only a sport but also a cultural movement rooted in creativity and self-expression. It originated in the streets of the Bronx in the 1970s, gaining global popularity by integrating various styles of dance, music, and art.
Benefits of Breakdancing as a Sport
- Physical Fitness: Breakdancing promotes cardiovascular health, flexibility, and overall fitness.
- Creativity: Dancers can express themselves through movement, fostering innovation.
- Community Building: It unites diverse individuals, creating a strong community of dancers.
Tips for Aspiring Breakdancers
- Start with the basics: Focus on foundational moves before attempting complex techniques.
- Watch and learn: Study videos of experienced dancers to learn from their styles.
- Practice consistently: Like any discipline, regular practice is vital for improvement.
- Find a community: Engage with local dancers to get feedback and support.
Final Thoughts on Reagan’s Journey
Reagan’s experience at the 2024 Olympics exemplifies the challenges athletes face in the public eye, especially those participating in historically dynamic art forms like breaking. With her determination to continue competing in future events, she stands as a reminder of resilience in the face of adversity.
As the breaking community continues to evolve and gain recognition in both competitive and cultural spaces, artists like Reagan will undoubtedly influence its future direction, inspiring a new generation of dancers.
