SYDNEY (AP) — Rachael Gunn, an Australian breaker renowned for her unique dance style, announced her intention to retire from competitive breaking just three months after participating in the Paris Olympics. Her unconventional routine, which featured moves like a “kangaroo hop,” sparked ridicule and conspiracy theories regarding her qualification for the Games, making her experience particularly challenging.
Now 37 and a lecturer at Sydney University, Gunn struggled in her competition rounds in August, failing to score in all three sections. Although she initially planned to continue competing, the criticism she faced proved to be “upsetting,” prompting her to reconsider her future in the sport.
In her interview with radio station 2DayFM, Gunn expressed her feelings of helplessness regarding public perception: “I just didn’t have any control over how people saw me or who I was. I was going to keep competing, for sure, but that seems really difficult for me to do now.” She cited the overwhelming scrutiny and social media attention as reasons for her decision.
This was the first time breaking was featured in the Olympics, and there is uncertainty about whether the sport will be included in future Olympic games, such as Los Angeles in 2028 or Brisbane in 2032.
During the event, Gunn faced backlash on social media, which included mocking comments and questions about the Olympic qualification process. In a subsequent interview with The Project on Australia’s Channel 10, she shared her experience of being pursued by cameras on the streets of Paris, which added to her anxiety. “That was really wild,” she recounted. “If people are chasing me, what do I do? That really did put me in a state of panic. I was nervous to be out in public.”
Despite the harsh criticisms, Gunn stood by her performance, thanking her supporters within the breaking community. She clarified her route to the Olympics, stating, “I won the Oceania championships. It was a direct qualifier,” noting that the competition featured nine international judges. “I knew my chances were slim as soon as I qualified,” she admitted. She further explained that misunderstanding of the sport fueled unjust conspiracy theories, which she found to be distressing. “The conspiracy theories were just awful… none of them were grounded in facts,” she emphasized.
Gunn’s performance drew fire not only online but also on television, including sketches on well-known shows like Jimmy Fallon’s late-night program. However, in her recent radio interview, she assured fans that she won’t completely abandon breaking. “I still dance and I still break,” she affirmed, explaining that her practice now takes place in a more private setting with her partner. “That’s like, in my living room,” she added.
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AP Paris Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
