What You Need to Know About Australian Breakdancer Rachael Gunn

Controversy swarmed Rachael “Raygun” Gunn after a bizarre performance led to her scoring zero total points from Olympic judges. The Australian breakdancer drew criticism from Black folks who largely thought she “mocked” the Black art form. Even singer Adele stopped her Munich show to joke about 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 breakdancers in the world, those familiar with the 36-year-old say she’s simply “the best” Australia had to offer.

In light of the Australian’s unprecedented fame, here’s what you should know about Gunn and her journey to Paris.

1. She’s been trained professionally

Having professional training in tap, jazz, and ballroom dancing, Gunn first picked up breaking from her now-husband, Samuel Free, who also competes in the sport, 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 her career as a college lecturer on the subject, it’s understandable why some may call her a textbook “expert.”

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.

The duo have an unique approach to the dance form, relying more on self expression than technical skills to set them apart from competition. This clearly worked as Raygun qualified for the Olympics in 2023.

4. She was ranked no. 1 in breakdancing

Gunn’s been breakdancing since she was in her twenties, so when the Olympics announced the new Olympic category of breakdancing, she was set on making it to Paris.

From 2021 to 2023, she competed around the world, usually ranking between 40 and 70 in competitions, according to the Olympics website. Everything changed, however, when she got the chance to compete at the Oceania championships in Sydney, Australia. There, Gunn defeated the competition to take home the number one ranking and qualify 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 zero points from judges. Her performance, filled with arm windmills and kangaroo hops, 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 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.