Overcoming Olympics Setback, Aussie Breakdancer 'Raygun' Becomes World No 1

Australia's Rachel Gunn has shot up the World DanceSport Federation rankings to become the World No. 1 breakdancer weeks after she allegedly let down her supporters at the Paris Olympics. After her now-viral showdown at the Games in August, social media users could not help but wince at the "disappointing" performance, which scored her zero points from judges. On September 10, the sport’s governing body issued a statement to “provide clarity” after the audience was left puzzled about RayGun's top ranking.

RayGun's Ranking

The World DanceSport Federation stated that the ranking methodology is based on each athlete’s top four performances within the past 12 months – but excludes Olympic events and qualifiers. The athletes were also not ranked in December 2023 so as to allow them to focus on qualification.

The Federation stated that the circumstances of this year’s competition schedule resulted in many athletes being ranked based on a single event. RayGun, who finished first place at the Oceania continental championships in October 2023, earned 1,000 points, which elevated her to the top spot.

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The ranking has drawn criticism even from the breaking community worldwide as many feel that the Federation does not have any real merit system. Some also alleged that the Federation has not been able to organise events by their measure that would contribute to creating an accurate ranking.

Who Is RayGun?

Rachel Gunn, 37, has been involved in various forms of dance since childhood-- from jazz to ballroom and tap. She acquired a PhD in cultural studies, graduating in 2017, with her thesis focused on "the intersection of gender and Sydney's breaking culture. She also has a degree in contemporary music.

Aside from competing, Gunn is also an academic at Macquarie University in the Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language and Literature. She has passionately delivered lectures and written about the cultural significance and impact of street art like Breaking. 

Gunn got into the art form when her boyfriend, also an experienced breakdancer, encouraged her to try it. She started in 2010, in her mid-twenties, and has competed at various events. Gunn is coached by her husband, Samuel Free, and says that she trains three to four hours a day.

RayGun competed for Australia at many international breaking events like the World Breaking Championships for three consecutive years. In 2023, she won the Oceania Breaking Championships, securing a spot for herself in the 2024 Summer Olympics according to the qualifying rules.

The Paris Olympics 2024 is the first to introduce breaking as a competition. Several dancers from across the world made huge waves with their memorable performances. However, RayGun's performance failed to impress. Netizens started to believe that the Australian was underprepared for the Games.

RayGun's Viral Performance

RayGun's videos have been circulating online, becoming a source for various memes. Many Olympians have also criticised her performance.

It’s surprising that Raygun from Australia is the top breaker. The kangaroo move 😆—how did she make it this far?! 👀 #BreakingForGold She should’ve swapped the kangaroo for a banana to really stand out. What is this? Seriously, is breakdancing really an Olympic event? pic.twitter.com/9zKeyt1MQp

— Bites Of Net (@BitesOfNet) August 9, 2024

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As some of the memes got out of hand and downright hurtful, the Australian Olympic Committee issued a statement. Watch chief-de-mission Anna Maeres' statement here:

Despite the backlash, Rachel Gunn's spirit remains high. She posted a touching message on social media, highlighting her positivity and sportsmanship. "Don’t be afraid to be different, go out there and represent yourself, you never know where that’s gonna take you," she asserted.

Of course, the Olympic stage is known as a place where the best of the best athletes compete with each other. However, performances like Gunn's and her dedication to keep bettering herself are a reminder that athletes are human too. Thus, her relatability and authenticity have resonated with many.

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Many netizens defended the Australian breakdancer for giving it a shot and representing her nation at a historic sport at the Paris Olympics; even if she might not have been the best one out there. As one social media user pointed out, "It makes us remember that we’re all human."