Australian Olympian Rachael Gunn, known in the breakdancing world as Regan, has publicly apologised to the country’s breakdancing community after facing a lot of criticism for her recent performance at the Paris Olympic Games. Her unconventional routine attracted widespread attention and criticism, dividing emotions and opinions within the sport.
Controversial routine
36-year-old Gunn, who entered the Paris Games as Australia’s top-ranked female breakdancer, faced challenging backlash when her routine failed to impress the judges. Gunn’s performance, who was eliminated from the B-Girls competition with a score of zero, was described as unconventional, involving moves such as the “sprinkler” and “kangaroo hop” which diverged from traditional breakdancing styles. Her choice of a green tracksuit and unconventional moves sparked a flood of memes and ridicule on social media platforms.
In her first in-depth interview since the Games, Gunn addressed the controversy and the resulting criticisms. Speaking to Network 10’s The Project, she expressed her sadness for the impact her performance had on the breakdancing community. “It’s really sad to hear those criticisms, and I’m very sorry for the backlash that the community has experienced,” Gunn said. “I can’t control people’s reaction.”
Performance and criticism
Gunn’s performance, although innovative, was criticised by many as a departure from the high-energy, power-focused style that often defines competitive breakdancing. Despite her background as a well-rounded dancer with expertise in jazz, tap and ballroom, her attempt to incorporate a unique artistic flair did not resonate with the judges or some members of the breakdancing community. Her routine was seen by some as making a mockery of the sport, causing disappointment among Australian breakdancers who felt her performance undermined their efforts and accomplishments.
The controversy surrounding Gunn’s performance was fuelled by allegations of manipulation of the selection process. Rumours circulated that Gunn had influenced the judging process and that her husband was involved in her qualification trials. However, these claims were categorically denied by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF), who confirmed that the selection process was fair and transparent.
“The conspiracy theories were pretty awful,” Gunn commented, defending her qualifications and the integrity of the selection. “I was the top ranked Australian B-Girl in 2020, 2022 and 2023. I have been invited to represent Australia at several World Championships. The record is there, but anything can happen in battle.”
Public response and support
Following her performance, Gunn faced intense media scrutiny, including intrusive reporting and harassment of her family and friends. In a heartfelt appeal posted on Instagram, Gunn asked the media to stop their harassment and allow her to focus on recovering from the controversy.
In her interview, Gunn described the media frenzy as “really wild” and said it caused a state of panic for her. She said, “Dancing was my medicine, and then it became the source of my stress.” Despite the negative attention, Gunn was consoled by the support she received from fellow Olympians and some people. She particularly expressed gratitude for the encouragement she received at the closing ceremony.
“I would love to focus on the positivity and the joy I gave people,” Gunn said, reflecting on the supportive messages she received.
Debate over breakdancing
The inclusion of breakdancing in the Olympic Games was intended to attract a younger audience and bring a new, dynamic element to the competition. However, some critics argue that the organic nature of the sport clashes with the structured environment of organized competition. The divisive reaction to Gunn’s performance highlighted this debate.
Australian hip-hop pioneer Spice, who has been vocal about the impact of Gunn’s performance, criticized the routine for making a “mockery” of the Australian breakdancing scene. “Many of us are saddened,” Spice said, reiterating concerns that Gunn’s performance did not accurately represent the essence of the sport or the skill level of Australian dancers.
Moving forward
As the dust from the controversy settles, Gunn is focused on his recovery and plans to move forward. He remains committed to his craft and hopes the breakdancing community can put this episode behind him and continue to grow and thrive. His apology and reflection on the experience has been seen by some as a step toward healing and rebuilding bridges within the community.
The incident has sparked wider conversations about the balance between artistic expression and competitive standards in breakdancing, as well as the role of the media in shaping public perception. As breakdancing continues to gain prominence on the global stage, the lessons from the incident are still relevant.