Olympic breaker Raygun has become the target of online trolls after receiving a zero score.
A breakdancing judge has clarified why viral breaker Raygun received a zero score at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Breakdancing made its debut at the Paris Olympics, adding a dynamic and exciting new element to the games.
One dancer, known as Raygun, went viral after delivering a “hilariously ridiculous” performance at the Olympics.
Judges evaluate any Olympian’s performance based on six criteria: creativity, personality, technique, variety, performativity, and musicality.
Raygun, whose real name is Rachael Gunn, failed to score a single point in any of the three bouts she competed in.
Since her performance in Paris, Gunn has become the target of social media trolls.
Breakdancing judge MGbility has expressed sympathy for Gunn while also explaining why she received a zero score.
The judge told News Corp, “I genuinely sympathize with her. The breaking and hip hop community is fully supportive. She was simply aiming to introduce something fresh, original, and representative of her country.”
“We stand by her. However, her level might not have been as high as that of the other competitors.”
“Once again, we’re using a comparative judging system. Her competitors were simply better, but that doesn’t mean she performed poorly—she gave it her all.”
“Unfortunately for her, the other b-girls outperformed her, which is why she didn’t receive any votes in her rounds.”
“Breaking is all about showcasing originality and introducing something new from your country or region, and that’s exactly what Raygun was doing.”
“She drew inspiration from her surroundings, which in this case included, for example, kangaroos—the animals.”
“In breaking, when seeking innovation or originality, you often look beyond dancing itself—exploring martial arts, animal movements, or anything else that might inspire.”
Gunn was interviewed right after the competition ended and told the press, “I knew I wasn’t going to outdo these girls in their strongest area—their power moves.”
“What I offer is creativity.”
In addition to being a breakdancer, Gunn is a university lecturer at Macquarie University and holds a Ph.D. in cultural studies, as stated in her Olympics bio.
It wasn’t just the performance that Olympic viewers have been talking about.
Before the Paris Olympics began, the International Olympic Committee permitted competitors to wear their custom uniforms, according to the New York Post.
Gunn was the only athlete who wore a tracksuit representing her country.
Following the backlash, she took to Instagram to say, “I’m looking forward to seeing the same level of scrutiny on what the b-boys wear tomorrow.”
