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Infamous breakdancer Raygun retires after online backlash

16:28 pm on 7 November 2024

Raygun, gestures next to Logan Edra of the US, known as Logistx, during the breakdance competition at the Paris Olympics. Photo: Odd Andersen/AFP

Australia's infamous Olympic breakdancer Rachael 'Raygun' Gunn has announced her retirement from competition months after her appearance at the Paris Olympics recieved worldwide backlash.

The B-girl whose performance at the Olympics went viral for all the wrong reasons, left the Games without a single point.

Gunn is ranked number 1 in the latest Breaking World Ranking List but told an Australian radio station her breaking days were over.

The university lecturer said her Paris experience had taken a toll.

Raygun competes against France's Sya Dembele, known as Syssy, at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Photo: ODD ANDERSEN

Gunn revealed on 2DayFM's Jimmy and Nath for Breakfast that she would not compete at another Olympics - should the sport make the cut in the future - and she would only break for fun now.

"I still break, but I don't compete. I'm not going to compete anymore," she said.

"I was going to keep competing, for sure, but that seems really difficult for me to do now to approach a battle.

"I still dance, and I still break. But, you know, that's like in my living room with my partner!

"It's [the Olympic backlash] been really upsetting. I just didn't have any control over how people saw me or who I was.

"Dancing is so much fun, and it makes you feel good. I don't think people should feel crap about the way that they dance. If you get out there, and you have fun on the dance floor then just own it."

After the Games Gunn said the backlash had been devastating and pleaded for privacy for herself and her family and friends.