Australian breaker Rachael 'Raygun' Gunn has announced her retirement from elite competition just three months after her performance at the Paris Olympics garnered widespread attention and criticism. The 37-year-old Sydney university lecturer failed to score in all three of her competition rounds in August, with a routine that included unconventional moves like a kangaroo hop.
In a recent interview with Sydney radio station 2DayFM, Gunn expressed her decision to retire, citing the scrutiny and negativity she faced following her Olympic appearance. She mentioned feeling upset and lacking control over how she was perceived by others. Gunn had initially planned to continue competing but ultimately decided against it due to the challenges she anticipated.
After her performance at the Olympics, Gunn faced ridicule and conspiracy theories about how she qualified for the Games. Despite the backlash, she defended her qualification process, explaining that she won the Oceania championships, which served as a direct qualifier for the Olympics. Gunn emphasized that the criticism she received was based on misunderstandings of the breaking sport and unwarranted attacks on her integrity.
While Gunn acknowledged the hate she received online and in the media, she expressed gratitude for the support she received from within the breaking community. She also mentioned that she will continue dancing and breaking, albeit in a more private setting with her partner.
Gunn's retirement comes amidst discussions about the future of breaking in the Olympics, with the sport not scheduled for the upcoming Games in Los Angeles or Brisbane. Despite the challenges she faced, Gunn remains committed to her passion for breaking and dancing, albeit in a less public setting moving forward.