Rachael Gunn, aka Raygun, is speaking out in response to criticism of her breakdancing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Breakdancing was added as an Olympic sport for the first time this year and Rachael, who has a PhD in breakdancing and dance culture, represented Australia during the competition on Friday (August 9) in Paris, France.
Rachael‘s performance has gone viral because it left viewers confused and questioning whether her dance moves should have been categorized as breakdancing or not. In her three dance battles, she didn’t receive any votes from the judges.
Head inside to read what she’s saying in response to criticism…
“All my moves are original,” Rachael said (via Fox Sports Australia). “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.”
“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?” she added. “I was always the underdog and wanted to make my mark in a different way.”
Rachael‘s outfit also faced criticism and she responded on her Instagram Stories by saying, “Looking forward to the same level of scrutiny on what the bboys wear tomorrow.”
Another Olympian has responded to a viral moment that happened in Paris.