Olympic Breaking Controversy: Judge Defends B-Girl Raygun's Unconventional Performance

Monday 12 August 2024 - 11:05

In an unexpected twist at the Paris Olympics, the breaking competition has garnered significant attention—not for athletic skill but for an unconventional routine that earned zero points. Rachael Gunn, who performs under the stage name B-girl Raygun, represented Australia in breaking's Olympic debut. Her routine has sparked widespread discussion online, though not for the reasons she might have hoped.

Gunn, a 36-year-old professor with a Ph.D. in cultural studies, showcased a performance featuring what some have called a "kangaroo dance." This included moves such as raising one leg while standing and leaning back with arms bent towards her ears. Despite her creative approach, the judges did not award any points across her three round-robin battles.

While Gunn's performance has faced widespread mockery online, Martin Gilian, the head judge of the breaking competition (known professionally as MGbility), has defended her. In a recent press conference, Gilian lauded Gunn for her "originality" and for "bringing something new to the table." He added, "She drew inspiration from her surroundings, including the kangaroo."

Gilian stressed that the breaking and hip-hop communities "definitely stand behind her." He explained the judging criteria, noting, "We use five criteria in our competitive judging system. Her level may not have been as high as other competitors, but that does not mean she performed poorly. She did her best and won the Oceania qualifier. Unfortunately for her, the other B-girls were better."

The aftermath of Gunn's performance has raised concerns about athlete welfare. Sergei Nifontov, general secretary of the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF), revealed that Gunn has been offered mental health support due to some of the online reactions. The WDSF has been in direct contact with Gunn and Australian Olympic team officials to provide support from a safeguarding officer.

Nifontov stated, "We are aware of what has happened, especially on social media, and we must prioritize the athlete's safety, particularly mental safety. She has our full support as a federation."

Gunn, who is roughly twice the age of her competitors, defended her approach after the event. "I was never going to beat these girls on their power moves. What I bring is creativity," she said.

Beyond Gunn's performance, the breaking competition has stirred further controversy. Lithuanian competitor Dominika Banevic, known as B-Girl Nicka, faced accusations of cultural appropriation for wearing a durag—a head covering with significant historical context in African American culture. Additionally, breaker Manizha Talash was disqualified for wearing a cape with the message "Free Afghan Women," which violated the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) strict ban on political messages.

These incidents have sparked discussions about cultural sensitivity, freedom of expression, and the future of breaking in the Olympic Games. As the inaugural Olympic breaking competition concludes, it is evident that the sport has introduced not only innovative moves to the Olympic stage but also fresh challenges and debates for the international sporting community to address.