**Raygun’s Olympic debut was supposed to be a breakthrough moment.**
**Instead, it turned into a viral spectacle that few saw coming.**
**When Rachael Gunn, known in the breakdancing world as “Raygun,” stepped onto the floor at Paris 2024, she aimed to showcase the skills that had earned her a spot among the world’s elite.**
**But instead of cheers, she was met with a flood of memes and ridicule that has since spiraled across social media.**
**The Australian breakdancer has now been offered safeguarding support to help her cope with the aftermath.**
**Gunn, who hails from Sydney, Australia, isn’t just any breakdancer—she’s a university lecturer with a deep passion for the culture.**
**Her academic background in street dance, hip-hop, and breakdancing has taken her around the globe, representing Australia at world championships in 2021 and 2022.**
**In the lead-up to the Olympics, she was seen as a top contender, combining her scholarly insights with her raw street talent.**
**However, the Olympics stage is no ordinary competition.**
**Breakdancing, or “breaking” as it’s known in the community, made its Olympic debut in Paris, adding a new layer of pressure on all competitors.**
**For Gunn, the event was more than just a chance to win a medal; it was an opportunity to show the world the true artistry of the dance form.**
**But when she hit the floor, her performance didn’t resonate with the judges—or the audience.**
**Gunn, in true artist fashion, stood by her work, stating, “All 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.”**
**Yet, the internet had a different take.**
**The performance quickly became fodder for countless memes and viral videos, with critics mocking everything from her moves to her choice of inspiration—a kangaroo, which she used to create unique dance moves that didn’t quite hit the mark with everyone.**
**Despite the social media backlash, Gunn’s originality hasn’t gone unnoticed.**
**Sergey Nifontov, the general secretary of the World DanceSport Federation, voiced his concern over the reaction to Gunn’s performance, labeling it as “worrying.”**
**He emphasized that the response Gunn received online was far from what the Federation stands for, stating, “That should not happen in our world. Something is going in the wrong direction.”**
**Nifontov confirmed that the Federation had reached out directly to Gunn and the Australian Olympic team, offering the services of their safeguarding officer to help her navigate the mental strain caused by the negative attention.**
**The story of Raygun’s rise to the Olympic stage is one filled with dedication and an unyielding love for breaking.**
**Gunn first found her passion for breakdancing during her university years in Sydney.**
**As a young student, she was captivated by the raw energy and creativity of street dance.**
**She threw herself into the culture, learning not just the moves but the history and significance behind them.**
**Her academic pursuits soon began to align with her artistic passions, leading her to research and teach about hip-hop culture and breakdancing.**
**Her reputation in the community grew, and she began competing internationally, quickly making a name for herself as both a dancer and a scholar.**
**By 2021, Gunn was representing Australia on the world stage, but her sights were always set on one goal—bringing her art to the Olympics.**
**But the Olympic stage is a different beast.**
**The debut of breakdancing at Paris 2024 was historic, and with it came enormous expectations.**
**Gunn’s performance, inspired by her Australian roots and the iconic kangaroo, was intended to showcase something unique and personal.**
**Unfortunately, the risk she took didn’t land as she had hoped, and the response was swift and harsh.**
**Martin Gilian, the head judge of the breakdancing competition, was quick to come to Gunn’s defense.**
**“Breaking is all about originality and bringing something new to the table,” he said.**
**Gilian explained that Gunn’s performance, while perhaps unconventional, was a true representation of the breaking spirit.**
**“She got inspired by her surroundings, which in this case, for example, was a kangaroo,” he added.**
**“She created some original moves which could be maybe funny or entertaining for others, but for us, she basically represented breaking and hip-hop.”**
**Gilian’s comments underscore the importance of creativity in the sport, even when it doesn’t translate perfectly to all audiences.**
**The Federation’s support for Gunn extends beyond just words.**
**Nifontov confirmed that they are prioritizing her mental well-being, with resources and support readily available.**
**“We are aware of what has happened, especially on social media, and definitely we should put the safety of the athlete, in this case, mental safety, in first place,” he said.**
**For Gunn, the experience has been a harsh lesson in the intersection of art and public perception, but it’s clear she has the backing of her community.**
**The breakdancing and hip-hop communities have rallied behind her, emphasizing that originality is what drives the sport forward.**
**Despite the memes, despite the criticism, Raygun’s performance has sparked a conversation about the true meaning of breaking at the Olympics.**
**In the end, her artistry, though polarizing, has made her a symbol of resilience in the face of unexpected challenges.**
**And while the internet may have had its say, the story of Raygun is far from over.**
**Because in the world of breaking, it’s not just about the moves—it’s about the message they carry.**