The long-awaited debut of breakdancing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games took an unforeseen twist when Australian breakdancer Raygun, also known as Rachael Gunn, was awarded a score of zero in all three of her competitive bouts.
Although her performance received mixed reactions and became a viral sensation, a prominent judge from the event has recently provided an explanation for the decision to award zero points.
Raygun’s performance, with her unique “kangaroo hop” move, left the audience both intrigued and amused.
Unfortunately, it did not manage to make a strong impression on the panel of judges who were responsible for evaluating competitors based on six important criteria: creativity, personality, technique, variety, performativity, and musicality.
Speaking to the press, judge Martin Gilian, known in the breaking community as MGbility, shed light on the decision.
“We have five criteria in the comparative judging system,”
Gilian Explained.
“Her level was maybe not as high as the other competitors. Again, we’re using a comparative judging system. Her competitors were just better, but it doesn’t mean that she did really bad. She did her best.”
Gilian emphasized that while Gunn’s performance was original and representative of her Australian roots, it simply did not measure up to the more technically advanced routines of her competitors.
“She was representing Australia and Oceania and did her best. She won the Oceania qualifier officially. Unfortunately for her, the other B-girls were better. That’s why she didn’t score any votes in her rounds,” he added.
Despite the zero-point score, Raygun’s artistic approach to breakdancing has earned her a significant following online.
The 36-year-old university lecturer, who holds a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies, has defended her performance, stating,
“I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best, the dynamic and the power moves, so I wanted to move differently, be artistic and creative because how many chances do you get in a lifetime to do that on an international stage?”
Gilian echoed this sentiment in a separate interview with the BBC, where he praised Raygun’s innovative choreography.
“Breaking is all about originality and bringing something new to the table… and this is exactly what Raygun was doing,” he said.
Raygun’s participation in the Olympics marks a significant achievement in her career, even if her performance did not resonate with the judges.
Her journey from being the only woman in a male-dominated sport to competing on the world stage is a testament to her resilience and passion for breakdancing.
Anna Meares, Australia’s chef de mission, also voiced her support for Gunn, highlighting the courage it took for her to continue in a sport that once left her in tears.
“She is the best breakdancer, female, that we have in Australia… She has represented the Olympic team, the Olympic spirit, with great enthusiasm, and I absolutely love her courage. I love her character, and I feel very disappointed for her that she has come under the attack that she has,” Meares said.
Despite the controversy, Gunn appears to be taking her newfound fame in stride. As the games concluded, she was seen celebrating in the streets of Paris, re-enacting her iconic kangaroo hop while perched on the shoulders of fellow Australian athletes.
The moment, captured by diver Domonic Bedggood and cyclist Lauretta Hanson, was quickly labeled “iconic” by her fans.
As breakdancing continues to evolve and gain recognition on the world stage, Raygun’s Olympic journey will likely be remembered not just for the score she received, but for the bold and creative spirit she brought to the competition.
