The 2024 Paris Olympics marked a historic moment with the inclusion of breakdancing, officially known as “breaking,” as an Olympic event. Among the competitors, one performer, Rachael Gunn—also known as Raygun—captured the public’s imagination despite not clinching a medal.
Raygun, a 36-year-old professor at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, with a Ph.D. in cultural studies, took the stage with a unique approach that made her a standout. Although she didn’t score any points and didn’t progress past the round-robin stage, her performance sparked widespread fascination and admiration.
In a particularly memorable clip, Raygun was seen spinning her arms like a windmill before executing a series of unconventional moves. Notably, the music in the viral video—a steel band cover of 50 Cent’s “P.I.M.P.”—was not the actual soundtrack of her performance. A more comprehensive video of her routine is available online, showcasing her distinct style.
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Raygun’s performance featured moves that resembled a Tyrannosaurus rex and a kangaroo, adding to her quirky and innovative style. At one point, she even playfully yawned at French competitor Sya Dembélé, aka Syssy, who was showcasing more traditional breakdancing moves.
Despite the lack of medals, Raygun’s performance resonated with many viewers. Social media buzzed with reactions, with fans expressing their admiration and humor:
“I am going to think about Raygun the Australian breakdancer for the rest of my life,” tweeted @xoxogossipgita.
“A thousand percent chance I get a little drunk tonight and try some Raygun moves,” posted @BrandyLJensen.
“Gentle reminder that Raygun won’t see your little jokes but all your 36-year-old breakdancing friends will,” remarked @rigginsslim.
Raygun herself described her approach as emphasizing creativity over traditional “power moves.” “All my moves are original,” she explained. She acknowledged that competing against younger, more physically powerful opponents meant she needed to stand out through her artistry. “I was always the underdog and wanted to make my mark in a different way,” she added.
Raygun’s performance, though unconventional, highlighted the diversity and creativity in the world of breakdancing, proving that breaking can be as much about personal expression as it is about athletic prowess.
