Raygun, the Australian breakdancer who gained viral attention for her unconventional style at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has responded to critics who derided her distinctive dance moves.
In an interview with ESPN, published on August 10, the 36-year-old competitor, whose real name is Rachael Gunn, addressed the backlash and reaffirmed her commitment to her unique artistic expression.
Raygun's performances in the Olympic debut of breaking as an event garnered significant attention on social media, with some viewers mocking her moves as «kangaroo-like» and comparing them to playful antics of children. Despite the jesting, Raygun remains steadfast in her belief in the value of creativity and originality in her dance style.
«I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best — their power moves,» Raygun explained. She referred to her competitors: Team USA's b-girl Logistx, 21, France's Syssy, 16, and Lithuania's Nicka, 17. «What I bring is creativity”, as mentioned in a report by People.
Raygun emphasized that her performances are a reflection of her artistry. „All of my moves are original. Creativity is really important to me,“ she said. „I go out there, and I show my artistry. Sometimes it speaks to the judges, and sometimes it doesn't. I do my thing, and it represents art. That is what it is about.“
Australia’s chef de mission, Anna Meares, has publicly defended Raygun against the criticism, highlighting the challenges faced by women in
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