The recently concluded Paris 2024 Games brought breakdancing to the forefront as an official competitive event. Athletes from all over the world descended upon the French capital to display their incredible skills. However, one performance stood out for unexpected reasons.
Raygun, an Australian breakdancer also known as Rachael Gunn, left the judges unimpressed with her kangaroo-inspired moves. Despite her unique routine, she failed to secure any points, becoming the talk of online memes. But now, a judge from the event has shed light on her score.
Judge MGbility, whose real name is Martin Gilian, explained that Raygun’s performance simply did not match up to the other competitors. He expressed empathy for the backlash she faced and stated, “I feel personally very sorry.” The breaking and hip hop community stood by her, recognizing her attempt to bring something fresh and original that represented her country.
A comparative judging system with five criteria determined the scores. While Raygun’s level might not have been as high as the other competitors, it certainly did not mean she performed poorly. She did her best, and the judges acknowledged that. Despite not receiving any votes in her rounds, she officially won the Oceania qualifier and deserved her place at the Olympics.
Reflecting on her Olympic performance, Gunn emphasized the importance of creativity and expressing her artistry. She said, “All my moves are original. Creativity is very important to me. I go out there to express my artistry. Sometimes it resonates with the judges, and sometimes it doesn’t. I do my thing, and it’s about representing art.”
Unfortunately, the online backlash took a toll on Gunn’s mental health. Reports suggest that her well-being is now being monitored. As for the future, breakdancing will not be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Games. However, there is hope for breakdancing enthusiasts, as the World DanceSport Federation is campaigning for its return at the Brisbane 2032 Games. Initial reactions from Brisbane officials have been optimistic about breakdancing’s chances of being added to the lineup.
So, while Raygun may not have scored points this time, she has left her mark on the world of breakdancing. Her unique routine and passion for creativity have captured the attention of many. And who knows, maybe in eight years, we’ll see her hopping like a kangaroo once again, representing Australia on the global stage.
