Rachael 'Raygun' Gunn apologises for breakdancing performance at 2024 Paris Olympics

Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn attracted plenty of attention for her breakdancing performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics - though not all of it was positive. Some viewers voiced the opinion of finding the display ‘disrespectful’, leading to Gunn issuing an apology in an interview.

Her performance saw her take to the stage in a cap and tracksuit, as opposed to street clothes that are traditionally worn by break dancers. Gunn’s subsequent performance, which many suggested was in stark contrast to those of her fellow competitors, resulted in a score of zero from the judges over the course of three rounds.

Backlash was prominent online - a petition on Change.org, aimed at launching an investigation into her conduct at the Olympics, received thousands of signatures before it was taken down.

Despite her poor performance at the games, Gunn maintains that she ‘worked her butt off’ in preparation and took the Olympics ‘very seriously’. Additionally, she also said she was ‘very sorry’ for the condemnation faced by the breakdancing community - however, she also added an addendum to the apology, mentioning that she ‘can’t control how people react’.

Speaking with The Project and featured on news.au, Gunn said: “It is really sad to hear those criticisms. And I am very sorry for the backlash that the community has experienced, but I can’t control how people react.

Gunn described the widespread media attention she received as ‘wild’, saying: “That was really wild. If people are chasing me, what do I do? But that really did put me in a state of panic. While I went out there and had fun, I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and I gave my all, truly.”