• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Raygun’s Viral Olympic Competition Will Be Her Last

The Australian gained international fame in Paris for her unconventional breakdancing performance, which earned zero points.

Rob Schumacher-Imagn Images

The competitive breakdancing career of viral Olympian Rachael Gunn, known as Raygun, is over.

The 37-year-old said on an Australian radio show that she will continue to dance, but ever since the Games, she hasn’t wanted to enter a competition. “I’m not going to compete anymore,” she said Tuesday on The Jimmy & Nath Show. “I was going to keep competing, for sure, but that seems a really difficult thing for me to do now, to approach a battle.

“I think the level of scrutiny that’s going to be there, and people will be filming it and it’ll go online, and it’s just not going to mean the same thing,” Gunn said. 

Gunn received a slew of online backlash and conspiracy theories following her zero-point performance in the Olympics, easily becoming the main storyline for the sport’s first and potentially only trip to the Games. Her teal-and-yellow Olympic uniform even became a popular Halloween costume. Breakdancing will not return to the 2028 Olympics, a decision that was made two years before Gunn’s viral routine.

On Thursday, Gunn went on an Australian TV show to clarify her comments. “Raygun’s not retiring,” she said on The Project, adding that she’ll still dance and enter “community jams,” but avoid official competitions.

Gunn, a university lecturer with a Ph.D. in cultural studies and a thesis about Sydney’s breaking scene, was accused of manipulating her way onto the Olympic team and performing poorly on purpose. (She had won local competitions in Australia.) Gunn has said that she knew she was going to be “the underdog” in Paris, and she wanted to “do something new and different and creative.” Paying homage to her home country, she incorporated a kangaroo hop and pose into her routine.

“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,” Gunn said following the Games. “How many chances do you get in a lifetime to do that on an international stage?”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 23, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Jake Retzlaff (12) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium.

Rape Suit Against QB Retzlaff Dismissed, but He’s Still Leaving BYU

Retzlaff admitted to “consensual” sex, violating BYU’s strict honor code.
Nov 16, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang celebrates during a team celebration lap after the playoff semifinal match against NJ/NY Gotham FC at Audi Field.

Michele Kang to Lead Lyon As UEFA Delays Multi-Club Ownership Ruling

Lyon’s Europa League fate remains unclear as Michele Kang replaces John Textor.
Jun 10, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) drops back to pass during minicamp at their South Side facility.
opinion

Steelers Win-Now Mode Is Good News for NFL Media Partners

The conservative “Steeler Way” has finally adapted—and media partners are happy.
Mar 15, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates in the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Little Caesars Arena.

Malik Beasley Is Latest Betting-Related Headache for NBA

It’s the third NBA betting scandal in the last year-and-a-half.

Featured Today

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
June 26, 2025

Stanley Cup’s International Summer Tour: Rules, Repairs, and Raucousness

No pro trophy tour compares to the NHL’s three-month global victory lap.

What Would a LeBron James L.A. Exit Look Like?

ESPN’s Bobby Marks said “there isn’t” a trade market for James.
June 29, 2025

Malik Beasley Being Investigated in NBA Gambling Probe

If proven, the claims could lead to Beasley’s lifetime expulsion from the NBA.
June 30, 2025

As NBA Salary Cap Rises, Role Players Are Getting $100M+ Deals

The salary cap has increased by 10% in three of four seasons.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Joopiter, Michael Jordan card
June 27, 2025

Michael Jordan Rookie Card Sells for Record $2.5M in Eyebrow-Raising Auction

The auction, which received only one bid, sets a new record.
June 27, 2025

As Wimbledon Approaches, Sinner and Alcaraz Solidify New Era

Sinner and Alcaraz have won the last six Grand Slams.
Jun 24, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) controls the ball as Atlanta Dream guard Maya Caldwell (33) defends during the first half at College Park Center.
June 27, 2025

Paige Bueckers Eyes Expanded Season, ‘Rightful Pay’ in New CBA

“The respect, attention, the accessibility—you see everything growing.”