How Raygun made it to the Olympics and divided breaking world

Rachael Gunn, known in the breaking community as Raygun, recently made headlines after her performance at the Paris Olympics. The reaction to her Olympic journey has sent shockwaves through the Australian hip-hop scene, particularly in Sydney, where breakers are preparing for the prestigious Red Bull BC One World Finals. In a community center that has become a hub for local dancers, the atmosphere is tense as breakers warm up with rigorous exercises. The recent events surrounding Raygun have left many in the community feeling divided and disappointed. Spice, a pioneer in Australian hip-hop, expressed that Raygun's performance has pushed the scene into what feels like the Dark Ages. Raygun, a 36-year-old university lecturer, faced a barrage of criticism after losing all her Olympic battles in a manner that went viral, leading to a flood of memes and negative comments online. The Australian breaking community is grappling with the fallout from her performance, with many feeling that it has mocked their culture. While some have rushed to defend Raygun, others are questioning her qualification and performance, arguing that the global bullying has overshadowed any fair analysis of her time in Paris. Raygun's journey to becoming a top B-girl was not without its challenges. She began her dance career in jazz, tap, and ballroom before being introduced to breaking by her husband and coach, Samuel Free, at the age of 20. She struggled to find her footing in a male-dominated scene, often feeling embarrassed about her skills. However, through perseverance, she became a leading figure in Australian breaking, earning a PhD in the cultural politics of the sport. Last October, she triumphed at a qualifying event in Sydney, securing her spot at the Olympics. Breaking, which originated in the Bronx during the 1970s, has evolved into a global phenomenon. The inclusion of breaking in the Olympics was seen as a way to attract younger audiences, but opinions were divided on whether it truly represented the culture of the dance. After the Olympic competition, Raygun became the focal point of intense scrutiny. Criticism of her performance spread rapidly online, with a petition demanding her apology garnering 50,000 signatures. Accusations of manipulation and unfair advantage circulated, despite a lack of evidence. AUSBreaking, the national organization for breaking in Australia, attempted to clarify the situation, emphasizing that the judges were impartial and that Raygun had no influence over the selection process. Te Hiiritanga Wepiha, a judge from New Zealand, defended Raygun, stating that she won fairly and that it was courageous of her to compete despite knowing the challenges she would face. Prominent athletes and officials also spoke out against the hate directed at Raygun, with Matt Carroll from the Australian Olympic Committee condemning the petition as baseless. Raygun herself expressed her dedication to the competition, stating that she worked hard to prepare and aimed to bring joy through her performance. However, she was taken aback by the overwhelming negativity that followed. The Australian hip-hop community is feeling the repercussions of the situation. While some members initially found humor in Raygun's performance, they quickly recognized the unacceptable level of abuse she faced. Spice noted that while Raygun's performance may not have met the Olympic standard, the bullying was reprehensible. Many B-girls are now experiencing harassment and threats online, leading to feelings of insecurity. Tinylocks, another B-girl, shared that the situation has been devastating for the community. She believes that Raygun simply had a bad day but acknowledges that there are questions about her preparation. The breaking scene in Australia is relatively small, and some believe that the lack of support and resources hinders the growth of local talent. AUSBreaking did not respond to inquiries about Raygun's selection or the support they provide to dancers. However, Steve Gow from AUSBreaking highlighted the challenges posed by Australia's geographical isolation, which makes it difficult for the breaking scene to thrive. Despite the obstacles, there is hope that Raygun's experience may bring increased attention and resources to the Australian breaking community. Wepiha believes that Raygun's visibility could ultimately benefit the scene, as she has become a prominent figure following her Olympic journey.