Raygun Issues Apology to Breakdance Community Following Olympic Performance Backlash

In a revealing interview on Australia’s Channel 10’s The Project, Australian breaker Rachael Gunn, known as “Raygun,” candidly shared her surreal experience following her unconventional Olympic performance. Gaining notoriety for mimicking a kangaroo, Gunn’s routine at the Tokyo Games generated mixed reactions from audiences and experts alike.

The 37-year-old Sydney lecturer marked her birthday on Monday while reflecting on the polarizing aftermath of her Olympic debut. As breaking made its inaugural appearance at the Olympics, Gunn found herself at the center of a media storm, especially after the sport’s future in upcoming Olympics remains uncertain.

“That was really wild,” Gunn stated, recalling the frantic moments when she was pursued by cameras in Paris. Her security was a concern as she struggled with anxiety in a public setting. “It was pretty nerve-wracking for a while,” she admitted. Despite the chaos surrounding her, she expressed gratitude for the support from her peers in the breaking community.

Gunn faced a significant online backlash, with social media users questioning her qualification process and overall performance. “It is really sad to hear those criticisms,” she lamented, reiterating her dedication to the sport. “I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and gave it my all.”

During the interview, she clarified her Olympic qualifications, stating, “I won the Oceania championships. It was a direct qualifier, judged by nine professionals from overseas.” Her insights pointed to a broader misunderstanding of breaking and its competitive landscape. “The conspiracy theories were just awful,” she proclaimed. “People are attacking our reputation and integrity — none of them were grounded in facts.”

Her performance, which caught the attention of late-night hosts, including Jimmy Fallon, was the subject of ridicule. “I don’t know whether to hug him or yell at him because of the platform he ended up giving me,” she remarked, acknowledging the mixed feelings about the publicity. “I’ll watch it at some point,” she mentioned, reflecting on her journey through this tumultuous chapter.

Currently a month removed from her Olympic experience, Gunn is navigating the emotional aftermath with support from therapy. “I definitely have my ups and downs,” she shared, highlighting the contrast between the positivity she’s received and the challenges she’s faced. “Fortunately, I got some mental health support pretty quickly,” she concluded, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the sporting world.