The World DanceSport Federation has announced that controversial Australian breakdancer, Raygun, is currently the top-ranked breaker in the world. Her place at the top comes despite her viral showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, during which she failed to score a single point with her performance. In the wake of the announcement, the organization put out a statement clarifying how it determines its rankings.
“We would like to take this opportunity to provide clarity on the ranking methodology and address the concerns raised,” the statement began. “The WDSF Breaking World Ranking List is governed by the WDSF Breaking Rules and Regulations Manual (BRRM) and is updated based on each athlete’s top four performances within the past 12 months. Points earned in these competitions remain valid for 52 weeks from the date of the event.” As for Raygun specifically, they explained that she “placed first at the Oceania Continental Championships, October 2023 (ranking points will expire on 28 October 2024).”
Raygun competes during the Breaking B-Girls Round Robin Group B battle between Logistx and Raygun on Day 14 of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at La Concorde on August 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
The update comes after Raygun reaffirmed her belief that she’s the best breaker in Australia during a recent interview with the local outlet, The Project. “I think my record speaks to that,” she said of being worthy to compete at the Olympics. “I was the top-ranked Australian b-girl in 2020 and 2022 and 2023 … The record is there. But anything can happen in a battle.” She did, however, admit she knew her “chances were slim” at the international event.
Raygun also expressed her apologies for the public backlash the sport faced in the wake of her performance. As the Olympic games shift focus to Los Angeles in 2028, they’ll be leaving breakdancing behind. Be on the lookout for further updates on Raygun on HotNewHipHop.
Raygun says that she’s the best breakdancer in Australia and the controversy surrounding her performance at the Paris Olympics boils down to most viewers not understanding “the diversity of approaches in breaking.” Raygun discussed the event, becoming a viral sensation, and the accusations she’s faced in the time since during an interview with The Project.
“I think my record speaks to that,” she said of being worthy to compete at the Olympics. “I was the top-ranked Australian b-girl in 2020 and 2022 and 2023 … The record is there. But anything can happen in a battle.” She went on to admit her chances of actually winning were low. “I knew my chances were slim,” she said. “As soon as I qualified, I was like, ‘Oh my god, what have I done?’ Because I knew that I was gonna get beaten and I knew people were not gonna understand my style and what I was gonna do.” Regardless, she’s “very sorry for the backlash that the community has experienced.”
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 09: B-Girl Raygun of Team Australia reacts during the B-Girls Round Robin – Group B on day fourteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Place de la Concorde on August 09, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
After the Olympics, rumors began to spread that Raygun had conspired to even qualify in the first place. “The conspiracy theories were just awful,” she said. “That was really—that was upsetting because it wasn’t just people that didn’t understand breaking and were just angry about my performance. It was people now attacking our reputation and integrity. None of them were grounded in any kind of facts. And obviously they’re still circulating. People still don’t believe the truth, but we do live in a different world now.”
Raygun Discusses Her Viral Performance In Paris
Raygun ended up not securing a single point for breakdancing and the sport will not be featured in Los Angeles at the 2028 Olympic games. Check out her full comments from the interview with The Project below. Be on the lookout for further updates on Raygun on HotNewHipHop.
Raygun is a viral breakdancer from Australia whose real name is actually Rachel Gunn. Overall, she went viral at the Olympics for some truly horrendous dance moves. Many felt like her moves made a complete mockery of the art of breakdancing. Interestingly enough, Gunn is someone who has studied the art form extensively on an academic level. However, this schooling did not prevent her from embarrassing herself on the world stage.
There has since been a change.org petition leveled against her as some believe she cheated her way to the Olympics. Allegedly, there were more talented women breakdancers in Australia, although they got passed up for someone who should have never been there. Well, Raygun finally broke her silence with a video message, which you can check out down below. As you can see, she thanked her fans for their support, while also addressing some of the hate she has received.
Australian breakdancer Rachel “Raygun” Gunn speaks on the backlash she’s received following her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.pic.twitter.com/IA0g8WKy5q
Her loudest message in the video was addressed to the press, whom she claims has been harassing her and her family throughout this process. She just wants to be left alone, and will even be going to Europe soon so that she can have some downtime. Needless to say, it has been a rough few weeks for the Australian dancer. Only time will tell whether or not this is a scandal that she will be able to come back from.
Let us know what you think of the controversy surrounding Raygun, in the comments section down below. Do you believe that the controversy surrounding the breakdancer is justified? Were you outraged by her inclusion at the Olympics? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Athletes are back with their loved ones following the conclusion of the Paris 2024 Olympics, but no one received as much attention upon landing on home soil as Rachel Gunn, known as “Raygun.” The 36-year-old Australian breakdancer joined a handful of her peers to compete in the first-ever breakdancing competition at this year’s Olympics. It was a historic moment for the culture, emerging from the streets of New York City decades ago to an international stage. It was a sight for Olympic fans across the globe, but Raygun stole attention for all the wrong reasons—and now, she’s being blamed for breakdancing being cut from the Olympics lineup in Los Angeles.
On August 9, Gunn showed off her moves in the B-Girl match, and it didn’t take long for her to go viral. Viewers took to social media with clips and questions, especially after Gunn received no points and placed last. Soon, it wasn’t just commentators looking for an explanation on how Raygun made it to the Olympics; breakdancers and those immersed in the culture were also puzzled. Then, rumors and speculation of corruption and Raygun cheating her way into the Paris Olympics flooded the internet. This further thrust the university professor into infamy, but her country—and the Australian breaking organization AUSBreak—have come to her defense.
By her resumé alone, it is clear that Gunn has a passion for breakdancing. She not only received her doctorate in media, music, cultural studies, and communications at Macquarie University, but she is also a professor there. Raygun is well-published on the art and history of breaking and Hip Hop, but it was her husband and coach, Samuel Free, who introduced her to the scene. He, too, is a breakdancer, and the two are well known throughout their country’s niche yet growing breaking community.
Although Raygun is popular in her area, especially considering her background in breaking academia, she seemed to have known she was out of her league. She told reporters after her performance, “I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best, the dynamic and the power moves,” per NBC News. Gunn also referenced certain moves that were highly criticized, including, at one point, her doing the Bunny Hop and the Sprinkler. Things were so bad that some accused her of purposefully trolling the Olympics with a poor performance. “I wanted to move differently, be artistic and creative, because how many chances do you get that in a lifetime to do that on an international stage.”
Meanwhile, Gunn has continued to take considerable hits online and in the media. Her talents and skills have certainly been up for discussion, but the ridicule has also been significant. At the Olympics, fellow Olympians uplifted Gunn, rallying around her in laughter, fun, and support. They hyped up her routine, and she broke out a few moves for a crowd after being lifted through the mass gathering on someone’s shoulders as if she’d taken home the Gold. Despite the global pushback against her Paris Olympics performance, Gunn seems to be taking it all in stride publicly. Moreover, the World DanceSport Federation reportedly has offered mental health support.
Like any hot topic, viral moment, many expected Gunn’s Olympic snafu to fade into oblivion by the next major news cycle. However, her time in the spotlight was extended after misconduct allegations permeated social media. Videos sprung up on TikTok detailing alleged double dealings behind the scenes that allowed Gunn to take to the Olympics stage. It was purported that Raygun and her husband founded the Australian Breaking Association. The gossip accused the couple of making it financially difficult for other breakdancers to enter qualifying competitions in Australia, opening roads for Gunn and her friends to become judges and participants. It was highlighted that the dancers allegedly omitted from participating were from marginalized communities.
After the rumors of corrupt dealings quickly traveled through online platforms, a Change.org petition to the Prime Minister of Australia was launched against Gunn. With almost 39,000 signatures at the time of this publication, the petition demanded an apology from the breakdancing professor, calling the process “unethical.” It stated, “Rachel Gunn, who set up her own governing body for breakdancing, has manipulated the selection process to her own advantage.”
It continued, “Despite the clear talent and qualification of other outstanding female breakdancers like G Clef and Holy Molly, they were unfairly overlooked. The NT Youlong Boys, a group of incredibly talented and underprivileged youth from the Northern Territory, were denied crucial funding by Dr. Gunn to attend the qualifiers—a decision that directly impacted their chance to showcase their skills on a national stage.”
LAustralia’s Rachael Gunn (L), known as Raygun gestures next to US’ Logan Edra, known as Logistx, during their battle as part of the Women’s Breaking dance Round robin of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at La Concorde in Paris, on August 9, 2024. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
This news not only spread like wildfire but also introduced a new level of vitriol against Gunn. While Raygun hasn’t made an official statement regarding the accusations, AUSBreak denied any wrongdoing in the Olympics selection procedure. “We condemn the global online harassment and bullying of Raygun,” they shared in a statement. “The pressure to perform on the Olympic stage is immense, especially against the opponents in her particular group. We stand in solidarity with Raygun.”
They added that the qualification process lasted over two days and adhered to the “World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) regulations, which align with International Olympic Committee (IOC) standards, the process aimed to ensure a fair and transparent outcome.” AUSBreak further explained the vetting process. “The Oceania Olympic selection event (The QMS 2023 WDSF Oceania Breaking Championships) in October 2023 brought together the top Breakers, both Bgirls and Bboys. A panel of 9 international adjudicators, a head judge and a chairperson who oversaw the competition, using the same judging system at the Paris Games and trained to uphold the highest standards of impartiality. These judges are all highly respected in their respective communities and in the international Breaking scene.”
While Rachel Gunn has remained silent, she has been vindicated by officials. Moreover, her country, team, and fans stand with her. Australian Olympics chief Anna Meares said she loves Rachel and condemned the media for “giving air time” to the “trolls and keyboard warriors.” She added, “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… She is the best breakdancer female that we have for Australia.”
Meares seemingly also accused critics of being sexist. “Now you look at the history of what we have had as women athletes, have faced in terms of criticism, belittlement, judgement, and simple comments like ‘they shouldn’t be there,” she stated. “One-hundred years ago, leading into Paris 1924, Australia sent a team of 37 athletes – none were women. One-hundred years later, we have 256 women representing here.” However, the criticisms regarding Raygun intellectualizing Hip Hop and breaking culture without the fundamental ties to its origins and representing it at the Olympics continues to spark debates worldwide.
Rachel Gunn, the breakdancer for Australia who goes by the name, RayGun, is facing accusations of “unethical conduct” after her viral performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Thousands of upset fans have signed a Change.org petition that claims she manipulated the selection process to her “own advantage” by setting up her “own governing body for breakdancing.” The statement is addressed to the Prime Minister of Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee.
“We, the undersigned, call for immediate accountability and transparency in the recent actions of Rachel Gunn and Anna Mears in the selection process for Australia’s female breakdancer representative at the upcoming Olympics,” the petition says. “Rachel Gunn, who set up her own governing body for breakdancing, has manipulated the selection process to her own advantage. Despite the clear talent and qualification of other outstanding female breakdancers like G Clef and Holy Molly, they were unfairly overlooked. The NT Youlong Boys, a group of incredibly talented and underprivileged youth from the Northern Territory, were denied crucial funding by Dr. Gunn to attend the qualifiers—a decision that directly impacted their chance to showcase their skills on a national stage.”
RAYGUN of Australia during the Breaking, B-Girls Round Robin at La. Concorde on the fourteenth day of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in France. Picture date: Friday August 9, 2024. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images)
It doesn’t appear that Gunn has addressed the petition; however, she has spoken on the backlash she’s received over the quality of her performance. “I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best—their power moves. What I bring is creativity,” she said during a press conference. “All of 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 2024 Olympics were very special for a lot of reasons, including the debut of one of hip-hop’s staples, breakdancing, as an event. While the decision to omit it from the 2028 Games is a sad one, it might make sense to some casual consumers thanks to one particular B-Girl this year. One of Australia’s representatives, Rachael Gunn AKA Raygun, lost all three of her one-on-one contests with a total tally of 54-0. But more than the loss itself, the online reaction to her performances was so mocking, disgusted, and critical that she spoke to ESPN about it.
“What I wanted was [to] come out here and do something new and different and creative,” Raygun expressed. “That’s my strength, my creativity. 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?” Compared to other Olympic happenings, this was a pretty controversial moment overall, especially for the hip-hop community.
“I love Rachael, and I think that what has occurred on social media with trolls and keyboard warriors, and taking those comments and giving them airtime, has been really disappointing,” the Australia team’s Chef de Mission Anna Meares said of Raygun’s performance, which Snoop Doog witnessed along with everything else at the Games. “Raygun is an absolutely loved member of this Olympic team. 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.”
Meanwhile, breakdancing continues to define a lot of hip-hop culture, and they still celebrate it as an integral part of the art form and community. Sure, it doesn’t have the same relevance and presence it used to have, but rappers like Common still get teased for their B-Boy moves every once in a while. It looks like the Olympics won’t be the one carrying the torch for the culture on a grand, global scale. So let’s find the next big breakdancing moment, let Raygun redeem herself and her art, and give more shine to the culture that birthed this tradition and the cultures that appreciate and respect it skillfully and tastefully.
