Getty Images: When breaker Rachael Gunn, also known as Raygun, failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics, the repercussions were felt in a small hip-hop scene on the opposite side of the globe. In a converted Sydney warehouse serving as a community center, breakers engage in intense ab exercises before showcasing intricate acrobatic moves on the floor. The event serves as a qualifier for the Red Bull BC One World Finals, and the tension leading up to it is palpable.
Australian hip-hop pioneer Spice expressed disappointment, stating, “I feel like it’s just pushed our scene in Australia into the Dark Ages.” Gunn, a 36-year-old university lecturer, faced backlash for her unorthodox routine and green tracksuit during the Olympics, with memes and abuse circulating online. The fallout divided the Australian breaking community, with some defending Raygun and others questioning her qualification and performance.
Gunn, who initially trained in jazz, tap, and ballroom dancing, transitioned to breaking at the age of 20 under the guidance of her husband and coach Samuel Free. Despite facing challenges in the male-dominated scene, she emerged as a top-ranked B-girl in Australia and secured her spot at the Paris Olympics last October. The inclusion of breaking in the Olympics sparked debate within the hip-hop community, with some questioning its authenticity on a global stage.
Following Gunn’s performance in Paris, she faced a wave of criticism and online hate, with accusations of manipulating her way into the competition without evidence. Various organizations and individuals within the breaking community defended her, emphasizing the fairness of her victory and the lack of Australian influence in the judging panel.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Raygun’s performance has had a significant impact on the Australian hip-hop scene, leading to divisions among B-girls and breakers. While many condemn the bullying and harassment directed at Gunn, there are concerns about the standard of representation at the Olympics and the overall support for breaking in Australia. The fallout from Gunn’s Olympic journey has sparked important discussions within the community about talent, preparation, and support for local breakers.