Rachel Gunn, the Australian b-girl who set a milestone at the Olympics, retires from breakdancing
SportsIn
November 7, 2024

Australian b-girl Rachel Gunn, known worldwide as Raygun, has decided to end her professional breakdancing career at the age of 37, just a few months after her participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and holding the No. 1 world ranking. Gunn, whose unique style and daredevil moves earned her both admiration and controversy, became especially famous for her “kangaroo jump,” a choreography that went viral and generated a wave of reactions on social networks and among breakdancing experts. Its undoubted impact put the sport on the map and a freedom of expression of her body that has broken any other dance, beyond technique.

Raygun was one of the pioneers in bringing breakdancing to the Olympic scene in Paris, where the sport debuted as an Olympic discipline. However, her performance, criticized by prominent figures in the discipline, generated intense debate over the qualifying criteria for the event. Many called her style “unorthodox” and “ridiculous,” and questioned her presence in the competition against other b-girls with more conventional approaches. Despite the controversy, Raygun left an unforgettable mark and broke with traditional expectations of what breakdancing can be in the sporting arena.

MEDIA PRESSURE AND RETIREMENT DECISION

In an interview for Australian radio station 2DayFM, Gunn explained how the media pressure and criticism he received influenced his decision to retire. “I had no control over how people saw me or who I was,” he confessed. “I wanted to keep competing, but now I find it difficult to do so. There will be a lot of buzz, people will record it and post it on the internet.” His words reflect the impact of social media and the constant exposure to which athletes in artistic disciplines are subjected, especially when their style breaks with the traditional.

However, despite the comments and pressure, Rachel Gunn assures that she will not give up dancing, although she will now keep it private. “Dancing is a lot of fun and makes you feel good. I don’t think anyone should feel bad about the way they dance. I still dance and breakdance, but only in the living room with my partner”, declared the Australian. With these words, Raygun makes it clear that, although she is leaving the competitive aspect of breakdancing, her passion for dancing remains intact.

LEGACY AND REFLECTION ON THE FUTURE OF BREAKDANCING

Gunn’s retirement brings to the table the challenges of being a breakdance athlete in an increasingly media-driven environment, where public judgment can significantly influence the athletic experience. With his departure, the breakdancing world loses a figure who, with his irreverent style, pushed the visibility of the sport and opened a dialogue about inclusion and diversity in the professional dance scene.

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