A judge at the Paris Olympics has clarified why Australian breakdancer Raygun received zero points for her unique performance.
The Paris 2024 Games marked the debut of breakdancing as an official competitive event, attracting top athletes from around the globe to showcase their skills in the French capital.
However, the event has since gained attention for unexpected reasons.
If you haven’t heard of Australian breakdancer Raygun by now, you might just be living under a rock.
Raygun, also known as Sydney University lecturer Rachael Gunn, failed to impress the judges with her kangaroo-inspired moves, leaving the competition without a single point and becoming the subject of widespread online memes.
Now, a judge from the event has shed light on Gunn's score, explaining that the 36-year-old's performance was simply "not as high as the other competitors."
Judge MGbility expressed empathy for Gunn regarding the backlash she's faced, stating, "I feel personally very sorry."
"The breaking and hip hop community definitely supports her. She was attempting to bring something fresh, something original that represented her country," he told News Corp.
"We stand by her. Our comparative judging system has five criteria. Her level was perhaps not as high as the other competitors, but that doesn’t mean she performed poorly. She did her best."
MGbility, whose real name is Martin Gilian, further commented that Gunn's moves reflected her country, saying: "She was representing Australia and Oceania and did her best.
"She officially won the Oceania qualifier. If people are questioning how she made it to the Olympics, she qualified from her region.
"Unfortunately for her, the other b-girls were stronger, which is why she didn't receive any votes in her rounds."
Reflecting on her Olympic performance, Gunn said: "All my moves are original. Creativity is very important to me. I go out there to express my artistry.
"Sometimes it resonates with the judges, and sometimes it doesn’t. I do my thing, and it’s about representing art."
It has also been reported that Gunn's mental health is being monitored following the online reaction to her routine.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that breakdancing will not return for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
However, those interested in perfecting their kangaroo hops might have another chance in eight years, as the World DanceSport Federation hopes the sport could make a comeback for Brisbane 2032.
"Our campaign to be included in Brisbane 2032 has already begun, led by our first vice-president and resident Australian, Tony Tilenni," WDSF President Shawn Tay said in a statement.
"Initial reactions to the breakdancing presentations, including from Brisbane officials at the Australian Olympic Committee’s one-year-to-go celebration for Paris 2024, have been very optimistic about our chances of being added to those Games."
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