Raygun Olympics

Raygun's Olympic Dance Moves: A Viral Hit or Miss?

Australian breakdancer Raygun opens up about the backlash following her viral Olympic performance, revealing it's been overwhelmingly tough! 😂💔

The Paris 2024 Olympics have been nothing short of a spectacle, full of dazzling performances, unique athleticism, and a few surprises that left audiences reeling. One of the most talked-about competitors has been Australia’s very own Rachael Gunn, also known as Raygun. After her electrifying breaking routine, which marked the debut of breaking as an Olympic sport, Raygun found herself at the center of a whirlwind, not only for her moves but also for the unexpected tidal wave of online hate that followed. In her own words, she described the backlash as 'devastating', shaking her confidence despite her pride in representing Australia on such a monumental platform.

What happened next sent shockwaves through the sporting community and beyond. Instead of celebrating this groundbreaking moment for breakdancing, Raygun had to navigate through a sea of negativity, which included harsh comments and even an anonymous online petition advocating against her performance. In a heartfelt response to her detractors, Raygun took to Instagram, articulating just how disheartening the experience has been. "I didn’t realise that it would open the door to so much hate," she candidly confessed, highlighting a stark reality about social media’s often toxic environment.

Despite the negativity, Raygun remains resolute in her passion for breaking and her place in the Olympics. "I’m honored to have been part of the Australian Olympic team and to be part of breaking’s Olympic debut," she stated, a testament to her courage as she addresses the hate while still celebrating her uniqueness and talent. Her resilience in the face of adversity has turned her into a symbol of empowerment for many young athletes and aspiring dancers who can relate to negativity in their careers.

But the story doesn't end there! Just a week after her stunning performance, Hollywood actor Tom Cruise made headlines himself by abseiling off the Stade de France during the star-studded closing ceremony. The juxtaposition of Cruise's daredevil antics against Raygun's fight for acceptance in the mainstream athletic world is almost comical, showing just how absurdly varied the Olympic experience can be. Both are ultimately chasing their passions, even if that looks different on the global stage. Speaking of passion, did you know that breakdancing was first popularized in the late 1970s on the streets of New York? And for fun trivia: Cruise's show-stealing stunt has contributed to a growing trend of celebrity hijinks making their way into the Olympics, turning our beloved games into a wild and entertaining show!