She is 36 and holds a PhD. This morning, Raygun is an Olympic breaker

This story was originally published on July 4.

In a hip new move to bring younger audiences to the games, the International Olympics Committee has introduced breaking to Paris 2024. For Rachael Gunn, a breakdancer and academic with a PhD in cultural studies, it is her chance to represent Australia next month.

Gunn, 36, who goes by the street name B-Girl Raygun, is leaning into the unique opportunity to put her skills to the test. She’s putting her own stamp on the sport and hopes to encourage other women to follow in her spinning footsteps.

Rachael Gunn goes by the street name B-Girl Raygun.Credit: Courtesy of The Iconic

How did you get into breaking?

I initially started as most girls do, doing jazz and tap dancing. I even tried hip-hop for a while, but none of them quite did it for me. It wasn’t until after I finished high school and met my boyfriend [Samuel Free, now her husband] at university in Sydney in 2008. He introduced me to the subculture and I became really curious about it.

What was it like getting into the scene?

The scene is dominated by guys, and no matter how many training sessions I went to in those days, it was always filled with men. I think that’s changing, but it’s still male-dominated. Sam tried to teach me some moves, and I initially found it really difficult because I had a background in dance choreography, where the whole class learns the same routine. This was completely different. I was overwhelmed and would go to the bathrooms and cry, feeling freaked out trying to do what Sam taught me in front of other guys. I got the foundational moves eventually – things like a six-step, a baby freeze and a CC – but it took years. At first, I didn’t have the physical strength to do a stab freeze. What I discovered, though, is that those who didn’t fit into mainstream culture in Australia and wanted to dance found their way to breaking.

When did theory and practice cross paths for you?

It was at a competition in Melbourne in 2011. I had just signed up to do my PhD, but also wanted to train more as a breaker. Through my PhD, I became interested in how my embodied experience of breaking helped me understand and challenge some deeper assumptions about gender stereotypes.

Does age matter in breaking?

I can’t help but think about my age in this competition, but I also try not to think about it too much. I am constantly reminded of it, but I’m also aware that people who are older than me are doing amazing things. For example, a 39-year-old won a world final in 2023. Judges aren’t looking at how many head spins you can do in a minute. It’s not about raw speed; there are many things you have to consider when competing. Your maturity in understanding the roots of breaking can be a real advantage. It’s about observing what’s come before and leaning into those historical roots without plagiarising.

When did you first learn breaking would become an Olympic sport?

The rumours began to swirl in 2016/17. The sport was a huge success when included in the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires in 2018. The Australian Federation was only set up in 2019, but it didn’t automatically mean someone from Oceania would get to compete. I was training harder than ever and thinking, “It’s now or never. Go for it.”

How do you handle nerves on competition day?

I like to stay focused. If I’m having a conversation with someone, I quickly realise when I am getting too distracted and leave. I like to go through my combos in my head. It’s loosely structured, so you have to come prepared with a combination of moves and small routines. They key is the way you string them together – that is the freestyle part. You have to listen to the music the DJ is playing all day to get in the zone and make sure you have that confidence in yourself that no matter what happens you’ve got this.

What does your diet consist of on competition day?

I try to eat first thing in the morning because I know that’s the only full meal I’ll eat all day. For me, it’s eggs, toast, mushrooms and salad. Carbohydrates are important for breaking because of that explosive energy you need, so I’ll be snacking on carbs and a protein bar.

Do the students you lecture at Macquarie University know that you’re Paris bound?

Yes. I have done lectures on breaking and spoken about the Olympics and some students have come up and asked for an autograph. Others have told me they’ll be watching and cheering me on, which is really special.

Which b-girls who inspire you?

When I started learning breaking, I was obsessed with B-Girl Ayumi from Japan. I did a workshop with her in 2013, and she has always been encouraging and supportive. She is still breaking and will be in the Olympic Qualifier series – she could make the competition at the age of 40. She made a name for herself when there weren’t a lot of women who would compete with guys. There’s also B-Girl AT from Finland, who is very cool.

What has your PhD research taught you about breaking?

A huge part of my journey as a competitor and academic is learning the history of breaking, of the culture here in Australia and globally. I spent a lot of time looking at old footage of the iconic scene in Flashdance in the 1980s that inspired a lot of people to start breaking around the world. Other movies like Beat Street and Wild Style were also key. I also loved watching video clips of the Rock Steady Crew and their only female breaker, Baby Love, who was iconic in inspiring the b-girl movement – the baby step is named after her. The Rock Steady Crew even judged a competition on Countdown in the 1980s when they visited Australia.

I did my undergraduate degree in contemporary music and cultural studies and after my honours year I didn’t know what to do. I worked as a receptionist for a while, but decided I loved studying and went back to do my PhD. Dance and music are big parts of my life and looking at the intersection of those appealed. There was some research on Australia’s hip-hop culture in late ’90s early 2000s, but I saw a gap I could address.

Your husband is your coach. How does that work out?

It makes total sense – he’s the one who got me into breaking, and we sometimes enter competitions together. Nobody knows me better. He’s got my back and knows how much this means to me.

What do you usually wear when you perform?

I wear baggy jeans and a baggy T-shirt. I like the heaviness they bring. Maybe it’s my background in hip-hop, but having weight closer to the ground works for me, gets me in the right headspace. I love baggy clothes even when I am not competing. Sorry, Mum.

Dr Rachael Gunn is part of The Iconic’s “Got You Looking” campaign.

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