Controversy swarmed Rachael “Raygun” Gunn after a bizarre performance led to her literally scoring all zeros from Olympic judges. The so-called Australian breakdancer was criticized by Black folks who said she “mocked” the Black art form. Even singer Adele had to stop her Munich show to laugh at what she called “the best thing that’s happened in the Olympics.”
As questions continue to rise about how exactly Raygun qualified to face some of the best dancers in the world, those familiar with the 36-year-old say she’s simply “the best” Australia had to offer.... but who’s believing that?
In light of the Australian’s unprecedented fame, here’s what you should know about Gunn and her journey to zero points.
1. She’s been trained professionally
Having professional training in dance doesn’t always mean you’re good at it.
Gunn was trained in tap, jazz, and ballroom dancing but didn’t get her start in breakdancing until she met her now husband, Samuel Free, who showed her the ropes, per the Olympics website.
2. She has a Phd
The couple found a mutual love for breakdancing, and Gunn’s new found passion ultimately led her to obtaining a PhD in breakdancing and dance culture, according to SBS News. With a doctorate degree under her belt and a career as a college lecturer on the subject, some have called Raygun a textbook “expert,” but clearly her years in school didn’t equate to her actual performance on stage.
3. She’s Married to a Breakdancer
According to Daily Mail, Gunn married her husband, who performs as Sammy The Free, in 2018. The locally-known breakdancer had his own dreams of competing in the Olympics, but ultimately, Free agreed to train his wife for Paris.
Free taught Gunn everything she knows, so if anyone is to blame for Raygun’s kangaroo hopping, windmill swinging routine.... it’s her man.
The duo have an unique approach to the dance form, relying more on self expression than technical skills to set them apart from competition. Although very questionable, their dance style ultimately led to Raygun qualifying for the Olympics in 2023.
4. She was ranked no. 1 in breakdancing
When the Olympics announced the new category of breakdancing, Gunn was determined to show her “skills” in Paris.
From 2021 to 2023, she competed around the world, usually ranking low on the leaderboard, between 40 and 70, according to the Olympics website. She didn’t even qualify for Paris until the Oceania championships in Sydney, Australia where everything changed. Somehow, Gunn managed to wipe out all of the competition and took home a number one ranking and finally qualified for the Olympic Games, according to CNN.
5. Her performance caught Jimmy Fallon’s Attention
Videos of Gunn’s Olympic routine quickly went viral after she received an hilarious zero point score from judges. Her performance amused viewers across the world, and even Jimmy Fallon poked fun at Raygun on his nighttime show.
6. Her moves are clearly all “original”
After competing, Gunn spoke about her “original” moves, saying “creativity is really important to me. I go out there, and I show my artistry.” She continued “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.”
7. Breakdancing will not be at the next Olympics
Although this is unlikely the last time Raygun will hit the stage to showcase what she calls breakdancing, this might hopefully be the last time the Olympics give her the opportunity to do so.
ABC-10 reported breakdancing will not be returning to the games in 2028. Los Angeles, the city hosting the next Olympic Games, opted out of having another breaking competition.