Australian breakdancer Rachel Gunn, also known by her B-Girl name “Raygun,” has gone viral for her unconventional and humorous routine at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Competing in the B-Girls Round Robin, Raygun’s performance included unique moves such as bouncing like a kangaroo, standing on her head, and rolling on her shoulder. These moves left the audience and social media users both entertained and puzzled, leading to widespread online reactions.
Despite her routine becoming an instant internet sensation, the Olympic judges were less impressed, as Raygun lost all three of her round-robin battles against competitors from the USA, France, and Lithuania. However, she embraced her role as the underdog, focusing on being artistic and creative rather than relying on traditional dynamic power moves. Raygun explained her approach, stating, “I was always the underdog and wanted to make my mark in a different way.”
Raygun… nuff said. pic.twitter.com/PNE6wqMiMK
— Cecrops (@KingCecrops) August 9, 2024
Raygun’s viral performance has drawn a mix of admiration and sarcasm online. While some viewers praised her originality and humor, others jokingly compared her moves to those of a five-year-old or suggested she deserved a gold medal for entertainment. Despite the mixed reactions, Raygun remains proud of her performance and the opportunity to showcase her creativity on an international stage.
Reflecting on her Olympic experience, the 36-year-old Macquarie University lecturer, who has been breaking for 16 years, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform at such a prestigious event. She described the experience as “amazing” and cherished the chance to perform in front of an enthusiastic crowd, despite the competition’s outcome.
