Breakdancer Raygun Becomes Internet Sensation At Paris Olympics After Scoring Zero Points & Finishing Last

In a surprising turn of events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Australian breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn made waves not for her medal count but for her unconventional performance in the debut of breaking as an Olympic sport.

Gunn, 36, failed to score a single point in Friday’s competition but quickly became an internet sensation due to her unique style and unexpected moves. Spectators were particularly captivated by what fans dubbed her “kangaroo hop,” a nod to her Australian heritage.

The competition, which saw Japan’s Ami Yuasa clinch gold, with Lithuania’s Dominika Banevič and China’s Liu Qingyi securing silver and bronze, respectively, marked a historic moment as breaking made its Olympic debut.

Despite her last-place finish, Gunn remained upbeat about her performance. “I was never going to outdo these girls in power moves,” she told reporters. “My strength lies in creativity.”

Social media erupted with reactions to Gunn’s routine, with comparisons drawn to Julia Stiles‘ dancing in the 2001 film Save the Last Dance. Some viewers doubted whether she truly deserved to qualify for the Olympics, while others appreciated her unique style

One Twitter user wrote, “I’m now Raygun’s biggest fan. She should never stop doing whatever it is she’s trying to do.”

The debate extended beyond Gunn’s performance to question the inclusion of breaking as an Olympic sport. Critics and supporters alike weighed in on the significance of the event’s debut on the world stage.

Gunn, who works as a college professor off the dance floor, took to Instagram to address the online commentary. She shared a quote emphasizing the importance of individuality: “Don’t be afraid to be different, go out there and represent yourself, you never know where that’s gonna take you.”

In May, uInterview spoke exclusively U.S. breaking star Sunny Choi, the first American woman to qualify for the Olympics in breaking, on why she believes the sport should be in the Olympics. 

“One of the most beautiful things about breaking is that there aren’t tons of barriers to entry; you just need a floor and a studio to practice in,” Choi said. “Anyone can get started, so anyone who watches breaking can do a Google search and find a space to start.” 

Check out uInterview’s exclusive videos with 50 U.S. Olympic athletes.