Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, known by her stage name Raygun, has expressed her disappointment and frustration over the International Olympic Committee decision to exclude breakdancing from the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
This move comes despite the sport’s debut in the Paris 2024 Olympics, where it captivated audiences worldwide.
Raygun, who gained widespread attention during the Paris Olympics for her unconventional routine that earned her a zero score, has not held back in criticizing the decision.
Speaking candidly, she described the exclusion as “premature” and questioned whether the decision-makers might regret their choice now that the Paris Games have concluded.
“It was disappointing it was decided that it wouldn’t be in L.A., particularly before we even had a chance to show it,” Raygun stated, reflecting on the missed opportunity to showcase the sport on an even larger stage. “I wonder if they’re kicking themselves now?”
The decision to drop breakdancing, officially known as “breaking,” has sparked a debate about what qualifies as an Olympic sport.
Gunn, who faced significant online ridicule for her performance, defended the athleticism and artistry of breaking, contrasting it with more traditional Olympic events.
“What is an Olympic sport? What are the similarities between dressage and artistic swimming and the 100m sprint and the pentathlon?”
she questioned.
“Breaking is clearly athletic; it requires a whole level of dedication across a number of different aspects. It’s really bringing a new level of excitement.”
Despite the harsh criticism she received online, with some comparing her routine to children’s dances, Raygun remains undeterred. She emphasized the originality and creativity of her moves, stating, “All my moves are original. Creativity is really important to me.
I go out there and I show my artistry. Sometimes it speaks to the judges, and sometimes it doesn’t. I do my thing, and it represents art. That is what it is about.”
The breaking community has largely stood behind Raygun, with judge Martin Gilian, known as MGbility, explaining the reasoning behind her low score.
“We have five criteria in the comparative judging system. Just her level was maybe not as high as the other competitors. But it doesn’t mean that she did really bad.
She did her best,” Gilian said, defending her effort while acknowledging the higher polish of her competitors.
In addition to the controversy over her performance, Raygun’s viral moment even caught the attention of global music superstar Adele, who humorously mentioned the routine during a concert in Munich.
“I can’t work out if it was a joke, but either way, it has made me very, very happy,” Adele remarked, highlighting the widespread impact of Gunn’s routine.
As the conversation around what constitutes an Olympic sport continues, Raygun’s experience serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of the Games and the challenges faced by emerging sports trying to secure their place on the world’s biggest stage.
Despite the setback, Raygun remains optimistic, encouraging others to embrace their uniqueness. “Don’t be afraid to be different. Go out there and represent yourself; you never know where that’s gonna take you,” she wrote on social media.
The debate over breakdancing’s place in the Olympics may be far from over, but one thing is clear: Raygun has left an incredible mark on the history of the sport and its brief Olympic journey.
