Breaking to be cut from 2028 Olympics as Aussie ‘Raygun’ responds to the haters after debut
There were only smiles from Rachael Gunn, aka Raygun, after an Olympic debut, however after her break broke the internet, the Aussie has taken to social media to respond to the haters.
There were only smiles from Rachael Gunn, aka Raygun, after an Olympic debut she never thought would happen and won’t happen again.
It was the sport’s time to shine, but breaking will be cut from LA in 2028 and is doubtful to reappear ever.
Gunn’s performance and uniform have become an international meme with a head-spinning amount of social media mocking her from the moment she began her first routine.
Gunn, twice the age of some of her opponents and wearing an Australian tracksuit, buttoned up shirt and cap, was knocked out in the round robin of 16 after struggling through three battles. She went into the competition with little expectation of a podium success, it was just all about having a go and showing off her sport.
A quote on her social media sums up her philosphy on life. “Don’t be afraid to be different, go out there and represent yourself, you never know where that is going to take you,” she posted.
The reaction to her routine — which included the kangaroo and something akin to the sprinkler — was brutal.
And when it took off on all social channels, the mainstream media around the world chimed in.
In response to the backlash over her Australian tracksuit uniform, Gunn took to her social media to defend her Olympic outfit, posting: “Looking forward to the same level of scrutiny on what the bboys wear tomorrow”
But after her performance, Raygun rose above it.
She said she was happy with the experience, delighted to get a selfie with Snoop Dogg and said she was “proud” to wear the Australian uniform — even though it was a little less street.
She has admitted she was intimidated in the past when a lone female at breaking events.
The university lecturer from Sydney was one of just 16 females in breaking’s fleeting Olympic moment, a sport derided by many when it made it onto the Paris 2024 program and which disappears for the next Games in LA in 2028, despite having its roots on the streets of South Bronx in New York.
“It’s clearly athletic,” she said. “It was crazy going out there.
“It’s the biggest crowd I have ever performed to.
“I loved it.”
The IOC has introduced “funkier“ sports and races to the Games to modernise it and attract a new audience.
Big hits have been surfing, skateboarding, kayak cross and foiling wind surfer and kite classes in sailing. But, so far, at least breaking seems as though it might be a step too far.
“It was disappointing it was decided that it wouldn’t be in LA, particularly before we even had a chance to show it,” Raygun said. “That was possibly a little premature. I wonder if they’re kicking themselves now?
“What is an Olympic sport? What are the similarities between dressage and artistic swimming and the 100m sprint and the pentathlon?” she added.
“Breaking is clearly athletic, it clearly requires a whole level of dedication across a number of different aspects. It’s really bringing a new level of excitement.”Despite being obviously outclasssed by her competitors, Raygun, Gunn was all smiles throughout the three rounds — and those who know her said the internet pile-on won’t take the smile off her face.
“I am super excited to be part of bringing breaking to the world,” she said. “It is such a phenomenal atmosphere here. It is such an amazing experience, and it is a privilege to get this opportunity.”
She also explained the motivation behind some of her clunkier moves.
“All my moves are original,” she said. “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.”
Gunn spoke to Afghan breaker from the Olympic refugee team, Manizha Talash, who broke IOC rules prohibiting political statements by grabbing a shawl with Free Afghan Woman printed on it.
“I can speak to the message she gave – women rights ... are really under threat in Afghanistan, in Iran and it’s really important we bring light to these issues and try to support the people who are suffering under toxic and dangerous regimes,” Gunn said.
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