Breakdancing at the 2024 Paris Olympics: A surprising debut

A new Olympic sport takes center stage

The 2024 Paris Olympics introduced breaking, commonly known as breakdancing, as an official sport, sparking a wave of excitement and curiosity. This new addition to the Olympic roster features two gender-based events, with 16 B-boys and 16 B-girls competing for the gold. Among the competitors, Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, who performs under the name Raygun, has become a viral sensation.

Raygun’s unexpected performance

Raygun’s performance in the round-robin stage of the women’s breaking competition drew significant attention online. Despite her efforts, she was eliminated without earning a single point, facing off against formidable opponents like the U.S.’s Logan Edra, Lithuania’s Dominika Banevič, and France’s Sya Dembélé. Her unconventional moves and unique style sparked a flurry of memes and criticism on social media.

“Mistakes were definitely made folks, but the biggest one was communication by [Raygun’s] family & friends,” one user commented on X (formerly Twitter). “It’s rare, but not telling someone they can’t dance can have global implications.”

Another user humorously compared her performance to their dog shaking off water on the lawn, highlighting the mixed reactions to her routine.

A deeper look at Raygun

Rachael Gunn is not just a breakdancer; she holds a PhD in cultural studies and is a college professor at Macquarie University in Sydney. She was named the top-ranked B-girl by the Australia Breaking Association in 2020 and 2021 and won the Oceania Breaking Championships in 2023. Despite her credentials, her Olympic performance left many viewers puzzled.

“It’s surprising that Raygun from Australia is the top breaker,” another user remarked. “The kangaroo move — how did she make it this far?!”

Raygun defended her performance, emphasizing the importance of creativity and originality in her art. “All of my moves are original,” she told reporters. “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.”

The winners and the future of Olympic breaking

Ultimately, Japan’s Ami Yuasa clinched the gold medal in the B-girls competition, with Banevič taking silver and China’s Liu Qingyi earning bronze. The B-boys competition followed, continuing the excitement of breaking at the Olympics.

Social media reactions

Raygun’s performance has sparked a wide range of reactions on social media, from amusement to admiration. Some users expressed gratitude for her inspiring millions to believe they could also compete in the Olympics, while others marveled at the eclectic mix of competitors and the unique nature of the event.

“The 2024 Paris Olympics’ hottest event is breakdancing. It has everything – A tiny Lithuanian girl in a durag named ‘Nicka,’ a 36-year-old Australian PhD student named ‘Raygun,’ and millions of people all over the world wondering who okayed this.”

Another user humorously noted Raygun’s attire, comparing her to a school PE teacher amidst a sea of funky breaking outfits.

“The Aussie B-Girl Raygun dressed as a school PE teacher complete with cap while everyone else is dressed in funky breaking outfits has sent me. It looks like she’s giving her detention for inappropriate dress at school.”

Reflecting on the impact of breaking at the Olympics

The debut of breaking at the Olympics has undoubtedly left a lasting impression. It has opened up discussions about the nature of art, creativity, and athleticism in sports. Raygun’s performance, in particular, has highlighted the diverse backgrounds and unique styles that competitors bring to the stage.

For those interested in exploring more about the world of breaking, check out the trailer for the 2024 Paris Olympics breaking competition.

As the world continues to embrace new and unconventional sports, the inclusion of breaking in the Olympics serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of athletic competition. Whether you found Raygun’s performance inspiring or perplexing, there’s no denying that she has made her mark on the world stage.