Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn goes viral after unique performance at Paris Olympics

Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, became an internet meme after her performance

Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, also known as B-Girl Raygun, has garnered significant attention online after her distinctive performance at the Paris Olympics. Gunn, who hails from Hornsby in New South Wales, was seen in videos shared online hopping like a kangaroo, touching her toes while lying down, and moving in a unique style on the dance floor. These moves quickly went viral, making Gunn the subject of numerous memes across social media platforms.

🇦🇺🇫🇷AUSTRALIA'S OLYMPIC CONTENDER HAS PhD IN BREAKDANCE … LITERALLY

Raygun, the 36-year-old lecturer, known more for her expertise in "the cultural politics of breakdancing" than for actual breakdancing, managed to showcase a routine that resembled a toddler's but with a PhD… pic.twitter.com/pL2AuHfKHF

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 10, 2024

Gunn, a former jazz and ballroom dancer, was introduced to breakdancing by her husband, who had been practicing the discipline for a decade. Although she grew up dancing, Gunn only began competing in breakdancing competitions in her mid-twenties. "I wasn’t a sporty kid, I was more of a dance kid,” Gunn shared. “I never thought the Olympics would be on the cards for me. It’s such a privilege and it’s hugely exciting."

In addition to her breakdancing career, Gunn is an academic, holding a PhD from Macquarie University, where her research focused on the intersection of gender and Sydney’s breaking culture. She is also a lecturer at the university’s Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language, and Literature.

Despite finishing the group phase at the Olympics with no points, Gunn defended her performance, stating, "I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best, the dynamic and the power moves, so I wanted to move differently, be artistic and creative because how many chances do you get in a lifetime to do that on an international stage?"

Australia’s chef de mission, Anna Meares, also defended Gunn, addressing online critics and emphasizing Gunn’s dedication and resilience in a male-dominated sport. Meares described Gunn as the country’s best female breakdancer and an "absolutely loved member" of the Olympic team.