In a shocker sure to reverberate across the globe, Rachael Gunn, the b-girl better known as “Raygun,” has announced she's hanging up her competitive sneakers for good.
At 37, this breaking sensation, who dazzled millions with her electrifying moves at the Paris Olympics, has decided to step back from the competitive dance floor.
During an emotional reveal on 2DayFM, Gunn declared: “I still break, but I don’t compete. I’m not going to compete anymore. No, no,” she shared candidly. The decision follows a tidal wave of backlash that has made the prospect of competing too daunting.
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"I was going to keep competing, for sure, but that seems really difficult for me to do now,” she confessed. Now, her dance floor is her living room where she breaks away from the public eye with her partner, away from the harsh glare of scrutiny and viral videos.
Her iconic Australian tracksuit and cap ensemble became an international sensation, even inspiring Halloween costumes from Sydney to San Francisco. However, despite her popularity, the aftermath of her Olympic stint left her more infamous than celebrated, leading to a bittersweet retreat from the sport she loves.
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The news has ignited a media frenzy, with outlets from BBC to NBC and even Variety chiming in on Gunn's unexpected exit. On social media, the reaction was equally mixed.
From Perez Hilton's dramatic take in a three-minute video to journalist Mark Di Stefano's cheeky comment on tall poppy syndrome, the world buzzed with opinions.
Writer John Smith quipped on X, “Leave the Breaking before the Breaking leaves you,” while Australian wine and travel writer Winsor Dobbin hinted, “Some news to brighten the day: Raygun has retired. But I reckon that won’t be the last we see or hear of her.”
Post-Olympics, Gunn's life was a whirlwind of celebrity encounters, including hangouts with Richard Branson and Boy George, and she even led a campaign encouraging Australians to surpass her breaking prowess. Yet, a failed attempt to trademark her b-girl moniker "Raygun" shortly after the Games highlighted the complexities of her newfound fame.
The heartache of her decision is palpable.
“It’s really upsetting,” Gunn admitted, reflecting on the overwhelming response to her performances. Struggling with the loss of control over her public persona, she has opted for a quieter life away from the competitive breakdance scene, although her legacy as a pioneer in the sport is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
As the breaking community and her fans come to terms with her retirement, one thing is clear: Rachael "Raygun" Gunn's impact on the world of breaking and beyond will resonate for years to come.
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