If there was one sport that stirred up debate at Paris 2024, it was breakdancing, all thanks to Australian breaker Rachael Gunn.
Her unique and unconventional routine, which included kangaroo-like jumps, awkward stretches, and some rather unusual moves, earned her a score of zero, making her the target of widespread criticism and memes.
But the reaction to Gunn’s performance went beyond just online jokes. Her routine sparked a heated discussion across the internet about the legitimacy of breakdancing as an Olympic sport. Many questioned whether breakdancing belonged on such a prestigious stage.
It’s surprising that Raygun from Australia is the top breaker. The kangaroo move 😆—how did she make it this far?! 👀 #BreakingForGold She should’ve swapped the kangaroo for a banana to really stand out. What is this? Seriously, is breakdancing really an Olympic event? pic.twitter.com/9zKeyt1MQp
— Bites Of Net (@BitesOfNet) August 9, 2024
Gunn, however, took it all in stride. She later revealed that she never expected to win but was determined to showcase her own style, encouraging others not to be afraid of being different. “You never know how far you can go by being yourself,” she said, standing firm in her belief.
Who Is Rachael Gunn?
Rachael Gunn isn’t new to the breaking scene. At 36, the Hornsby native from Sydney has not only made a name for herself in the dance world but also in academia. She’s a professor at Macquarie University in Australia, where she leads the Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Literature, and Language. Gunn also holds a doctorate in cultural studies.
Read also: 5 Things You Must Know About the Olympic Games in LA 2028
Her journey to the Olympics wasn’t a fluke. Gunn previously won the Oceania Breaking Championship in 2023 and represented Australia at the World Championships in 2021 and 2022.
The Future of Breakdancing in the Olympics
Despite the attention breakdancing received at Paris 2024, the Olympic Committee has decided to exclude it from the list of sports for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Contrary to what some might believe, Rachael Gunn’s performance had no bearing on this decision.
The exclusion was primarily due to a lack of resources, making it unlikely that breakdancing will return for the Brisbane 2032 Games.
Instead, five new sports will debut at the 2028 Games: cricket, flag football, baseball/softball, lacrosse, and squash. This news has left the b-boy and b-girl community disappointed, as many had hoped that breakdancing would secure its place as a long-term Olympic sport.
