Raygun
Raygun is the competitive name of Rachael Gunn, an Australian academic and former breakdancer.
Raygun is the competitive name of Rachael Gunn, an Australian academic and former breakdancer who gained international attention following her performance in the women's breaking event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her routine went viral and sparked widespread debate and mockery online. In November 2024, she announced her retirement from competitive breaking.
Background
Rachael Gunn (born 2 September 1987) is an Australian academic and dancer who performed under the name Raygun. She holds a PhD in cultural studies and works as a lecturer and researcher at Macquarie University, with academic work related to breaking and cultural studies.
Breaking career
Raygun competed internationally in breaking and represented Australia at major events, including the Oceania qualifier that secured her Olympic place. She was reported as one of Australia's top-ranked B-girls in 2020, 2021, and 2023.
Paris 2024 Olympics
Raygun competed in the first Olympic breaking competition at the Paris 2024 Games. Her performance attracted widespread online attention, with reactions ranging from criticism and mockery to support.
Retirement
After the Olympics and the backlash surrounding her routine, Gunn said in November 2024 that she was retiring from competitive breaking.
Key facts
- Raygun is the stage name of Australian breaker Rachael Gunn.
- She competed in the women’s breaking event at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
- She was a university lecturer at Macquarie University and held a PhD in cultural studies.
- Her Olympic routine went viral and generated widespread debate and mockery.
- She announced her retirement from competitive breaking in November 2024.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Raygun?
What is Raygun known for?
Did Raygun compete in the Olympics?
What is Raygun’s real name?
What was her profession outside dancing?
Is Raygun still competing?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachael_GunnSupports: Birth name, date of birth, occupation, retirement note, and competitive name.
- Olympics.com — https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/raygunSupports: Olympic participation, first Australian B-girl at Paris 2024, and the Raygun nickname.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gl34v4r98oSupports: Olympic context, viral reaction, and the general public response to her performance.
- CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/12/sport/raygun-breaking-paris-olympics-spt-intlSupports: Her identity as an Australian academic and breaker, and the viral nature of the Olympic performance.
- NPR — https://www.npr.org/2024/11/07/nx-s1-5182777/raygun-retiring-olympics-breakdancer-australia-breakingSupports: Announcement of retirement from competitive breaking.
- Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/raygun_aus/Supports: Claims about being a top-ranked Australian B-girl and representing Australia internationally.