Having become the laughing stock of social networks after her astonishing performance during the breaking event of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Australian Rachael “Raygun” Gunn announced on Wednesday that she was ending her competitive career.
Australian breaker Raygun announced on Wednesday that she was leaving the competition after being upset by the wave of reactions – especially negative – to her performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, 37, a lecturer at the University of Sydney, was ridiculed by some and acclaimed by others for her unique performance in Paris, where she failed to win any of her three head-to-head matches. -face with other B-Girls.
“It seems to be a really difficult thing for me now.”
Raygun's moves, including his imitation of a kangaroo, and his Australian-colored tracksuit have been parodied around the world, including by American television host Jimmy Fallon. She was the subject of even more virulent criticism and mockery online.
Faced with the “really upsetting” reactions, “I am no longer going to participate in competitions,” the breaker announced to Australian radio station 2DayFM.
“I was really preparing to continue competing but now it seems to be a really difficult thing for me,” Raygun said Wednesday. With that level of attention, people filming her performance and posting it online “it just wouldn't be the same experience,” she said.
Raygun at the top of his sport after the Olympics
The breaker previously said she didn't imagine her performance would open the door “to so much hatred, which was honestly quite devastating.” “I worked hard to prepare for the Olympic Games and I gave everything I had, really,” she assured.
Made fun of, the breaker received the support of Australian athletes and the Prime Minister of her country. In September, the World Dancesport Federation (WDSF) named her the best breaker in the world, based on events organized between December 2023 and the Games, such as the Oceania Championship from which she emerged victorious during this period. Present for the first time at the Paris Olympic Games, breaking will not feature at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, in the United States.
