It’s safe to say that Australian breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn has taken the internet by storm. Gunn competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics ‘ first-ever breakdancing event on August 9, facing off against France’s Sya Dembélé in the preliminary phase of the competition. Though she failed to score a point, losing 0-2 to the teenage breaking sensation, her unique dance moves quickly became the talk of the town shortly after competing.
In the leadup to the big day, Gunn – whose Olympic debut was at age 36 – told CNBC how the younger B-Girls’ style of dance would ultimately differ from those who skew a little older in age, and how it could affect each breakdancer’s overall score, which is based on originality and creativity. “The younger competitors are great in their strength, fitness and explosiveness. But the older ones bring a different level of maturity to the dance,” she told the outlet.
“My specialty is style and creativity, not dynamics or power moves like many other dancers.” She added, “I don’t know if it’s going to be valued as much as some of the other criteria, but I hope people are still wowed by what I bring since it’s something different.” Keep reading for five things to know about Rachael “Raygun” Gunn.
Gunn has always had an appreciation and passion for all forms of dance, as she explained in a throwback post via Instagram in July 2024. “I remember going to the Sydney 2000 Olympics and never in a million years thinki.