The Rise and Fall of the Olympic Breakdancer

Breakdancing made history this summer as the first dance event to make its way into the Olympics. Unfortunately, it just as quickly lost its spot, with the 2028 International Olympic Committee confirming that it will not be an event in the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics. Obviously, this announcement has led to many heated debates on whether or not breakdancing should maintain its status as an Olympic sport, with fervent advocates on both sides. To form an opinion on this controversial topic, it is important to have context beyond the infamous performance of Australian dancer Rachael Gunn.

Breakdancing is a practice rooted deeply in art, expression, and athleticism. Having originated in the early 70s in New York City, breakdancing involves dancers, often called breakers, performing to music created through a DJ technique of breaking songs and splicing them together into a continuous beat. The technique’s impressive acrobatic moves draw inspiration from sources such as martial arts and gymnastics, with performers spinning in dizzying circles balanced on one arm or kicking their feet into the air while seeming to bounce as though they are on a trampoline rather than a hardwood floor. Unlike more classical styles, such as ballet, breakers wear baggy sweatpants in place of tights and tutus, and they switch out pointe shoes for sneakers. The style grew in popularity quickly after its creation, gaining more traction as famous artists incorporated breakdancing moves into their shows. Eventually, breakdancing was featured in the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Argentina. Its success was so remarkable, with many successful dancers competing, that it convinced the International Olympic Committee to add the event to its Paris 2024 roster. Along with additions like surfing and skateboarding, breaking was intended to appeal to younger fans, bringing in new audiences and revamping the age-old tradition.

Unfortunately, a wrench was thrown in those aspirational plans, and it came under the Australian flag. As the 2024 Olympic season rolled around, both fans and critics of breakdancing eagerly anticipated the arrival of the newly named sport to the world stage. What resulted in the aftermath was a viral, highly controversial performance by 36-year-old Rachel Gunn, also known as B-Girl Raygun. The “top-ranked” Australian breakdancer arrived in Paris, armed with previous training in jazz, ballroom, and tap dancing, as well as extensive research on the cultural politics of breaking as a lecturer at Macquarie University. However, said accolades proved to become inconsequential in facing up to the competition of her fellow breakers in the Olympic arena. Eliminated after a series of three rounds, Gunn earned a total of zero points—a result of her self-proclaimed “creativity” in her moves that included “the Bunny Hop” and “the Sprinkler.” According to the chief breaking judge of the Olympic committee, Gunn was lauded for her “originality” and for being “inspired by her surroundings,” drawing inspiration from the Kangaroo.

According to Raygun, she felt that she was less capable than her Olympic opponents, stating, “I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best,” and therefore resorted to creative expression in an effort to amaze the judges. However, although the IOC and the Australian Olympic team maintained fervent support for Gunn throughout the season, the overall response from social media and the international breaking community proved to be overwhelmingly negative towards the Australian. Mocked as “hilariously ridiculous,” Raygun impressions have been featured on platforms such as TikTok and on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, stirring worldwide attention. From conspiracy theories to hate comments, Raygun has been slammed as “an embarrassment” to her country by several of her fellow Australian breakers, as well as by several Australian news broadcasting channels. Known for its traditional Olympic success, Australia has suffered in its reputation due to Gunn’s subpar performance, which overshadowed other Australian stars, such as record-shattering swimmers Emma McKeon and Mollie O’Callaghan.

Gunn, albeit emotionally affected by the hate surrounding her Olympic performance, has gained a platform on an international stage, and she is remembered as one of the most “memorable” Olympians to have participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics. That said, breakdancing’s credibility and reputation have also been tarnished due to Gunn’s controversy, overshadowing the outstanding performances by Phil Wizard of Canada and Ami Yuasa of Japan, who won the acclaimed gold medal for their respective nations. Although the International Olympic Committee will not have to consider the reemergence of breakdancing until the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, the debate surrounding what sport qualifies for the Olympics still remains open for much discussion. As new sports enter and leave the Olympics, the rise and fall of breakdancing demonstrates the fluidity of sport and showmanship—a concept that proves that as times change, so do the Olympic Games.