Connect with us

CELEBRITY

Olympic Breakdancer Raygun Claps Back at Critics Over Controversial Style: ‘I Do My Thing’

Published

on

Raygun

 

Australian breakdancer Raygun, known off the dance floor as Rachael Gunn, has become a viral sensation following her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite her unique style sparking controversy and mockery on social media, the 36-year-old is unapologetically standing by her creative approach to breaking, a debut event at this year’s Olympic Games.

Raygun, who represented Australia in the B-Girls Round Robin event, faced stiff competition from some of the world’s top breakers, including Team USA’s b-girl Logistx, France’s Syssy, and Lithuania’s Nicka. Despite not winning her battles, Raygun’s distinctive moves caught the attention of Olympic viewers and sparked a flurry of online commentary.

Social media was abuzz with jokes and critiques, with many comparing her moves to those of a kangaroo and likening them to “what my nephew does after telling all of us to ‘watch this.’” However, Raygun remains unfazed by the criticism, maintaining that her originality and creativity are her strengths.

“I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best — their power moves,” Raygun told ESPN in an interview. “What I bring is creativity. All of my moves are original. Creativity is really important to me. I go out there, and I show my artistry. Sometimes it speaks to the judges, and sometimes it doesn’t. I do my thing, and it represents art. That is what it is about.”

Raygun’s bold stance is supported by Australia’s chef de mission, Anna Meares, who defended the breakdancer against what she described as sexist criticism in a sport historically dominated by men.

“I love Rachael, and I think that what has occurred on social media with trolls and keyboard warriors, and taking those comments and giving them airtime, has been really disappointing,” Meares said. “Raygun is an absolutely loved member of this Olympic team. She has represented the Olympic spirit with great enthusiasm. And I absolutely love her courage. I love her character, and I feel very disappointed for her, that she has come under the attack that she has.”

 

Raygun

Raygun’s journey to the Olympics is a testament to her determination and passion for breaking. Before discovering breaking in her 20s, Raygun was a jazz and ballroom dancer. She is also a university lecturer in Sydney, where she studies the cultural politics of breaking as part of her academic work. According to Meares, Raygun’s path has not been easy, especially as a woman in a male-dominated sport.

“In 2008, she was locked in a room crying, being involved in a male-dominated sport as the only woman, and it took great courage for her to continue on and fight for her opportunity to participate in a sport that she loved,” Meares shared. “That got her to winning the Olympic qualifying event to be here in Paris. She is the best female breakdancer that we have for Australia.”

Raygun’s story highlights the challenges faced by women in male-dominated sports and the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of criticism. As she continues to break boundaries in both the academic and breaking worlds, Raygun’s message is clear: creativity and individuality are at the heart of her artistry, and she will continue to do her thing, regardless of what the critics say.

For more updates on the Olympics and other inspiring stories, be sure to check out ongoing coverage and sign up for the Going for Gold newsletter to get the biggest stories delivered straight to your inbox. The Paris Olympics and Paralympics began on July 26, and you can catch all the action on NBC and Peacock.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CELEBRITY7 hours ago

President Trump Imposes Sweeping Tariffs on the Rest of the World: Here’s how the world is reacting and how Americans could be affected…

CELEBRITY8 hours ago

Fans rip into Travis Kelce for blaming NFL struggles on Taylor Swift fame: ‘Loved it as much as her but…’

CELEBRITY8 hours ago

Watch the Emotional moment Travis Kelce meets niece Finnley on New Heights for the first time But what he said gave a hint to the fact that…

CELEBRITY9 hours ago

The Latest Updates on Elon Musk’s Paternity and Custody Drama with Ashley St. Clair

CELEBRITY18 hours ago

Kylie Kelce REVEALS Anne Kelce’s FACE FOR THE FIRST TIME—Then Reveals SHOCKING Information About Her Newborn Baby!

CELEBRITY1 day ago

SHOCKING NEWS: Suri Cruise, Daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Splits with Toby Cohen and Starts a New Relationship—What’s Making Headlines is Her Comments About… CONTINUE READING ⤵️ ⤵️

CELEBRITY1 day ago

Congrats to Jason and Kylie Kelce on the birth of Finnley Anne!!! 😍

CELEBRITY1 day ago

Swifties and Chiefs Kingdom are losing their minds over the latest rumor: Taylor Swift might be cooking up her 12th album with none other than Travis Kelce by her side! A newly surfaced Video has set the internet ablaze, showing the power couple in what appears to be a recording studio, with Travis seemingly…See more ⤵️ ⤵️

CELEBRITY1 day ago

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Secret Charity: Power Couple’s Big Giveback Goes Viral

CELEBRITY2 days ago

Travis Kelce Admits He Finds Taylor Swift Boring And Unattractive—Says It’s Time To Let Her Go because it’s as though they are both faking it…

CELEBRITY2 days ago

BREAKING: After 14years, Chris Hemsworth files for divorce from wife Elsa Pataky after she neglected all the necessity between… See more

CELEBRITY2 days ago

Patrick Mahomes opens up about the STRANGE condition of his newborn baby, and the whole family is immersed in a gloomy atmosphere.😮😲 Patrick Mahomes, the renowned quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, and his wife, Brittany Mahomes, recently faced a concerning health situation with their infant son, Patrick “Bronze” Lavon Mahomes III. Read more 👇👇👇

Copyright © 2024 Luxurydiorusa