The world of competitive breakdancing, also known as breaking, was recently shaken by the unexpected retirement of one of its stars. Raygun, a prominent figure in the breaking community, has decided to step away from the competitive scene following a whirlwind of controversy and backlash stemming from her performance at the Paris Olympics.


In a candid radio interview, the 37-year-old dancer, whose real name is Gunn, opened up about the personal impact of the online reaction to her Olympic debut. She revealed that she now only dances at home with her partner, as the thought of competing has become 'really difficult' for her. 'Dancing is so much fun and it makes you feel good, and I don’t think people should feel crap about, you know, the way that they dance,' she expressed to 2DayFM.


The decision to retire from competition was not an easy one for Raygun, who had initially planned to continue her breaking career. However, the intense scrutiny and negative attention that followed her Olympic performance made it clear that returning to the competitive stage was no longer a viable option for her.


During the Olympics, Raygun's unique style, which included her signature move 'the kangaroo', failed to resonate with the judges, resulting in a score of zero points. This outcome led to widespread speculation and criticism, with viral videos of her performance sparking conspiracy theories about her qualification for the Games. One such theory accused her of being an 'industry plant' designed to manipulate the competition.

The rumours and memes that followed were 'totally wild' and 'impossible to process,' according to Raygun. She felt powerless against the internet's portrayal of her and the level of publicity it generated. 'It was really upsetting because I felt like I just didn’t have any control over how people saw me or who I was,' she lamented.

The aftermath of her Olympic appearance extended far beyond social media. Raygun became the subject of parody on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, inspired a mini statue, became a popular costume party character, and was even imitated at UFC 305. Despite the mockery, Raygun chose to see the lighter side of the situation, collecting memes and enjoying the laughter shared with her.


The fallout from her Olympic performance has had a profound effect on Raygun's life. She admits that her identity, relationships, and entire world have been altered, for better or worse. 'It’s in times like these that you find out who your real friends are, unfortunately,' she reflected. The ongoing changes have made it difficult for her to predict what each day will bring and have forced her to prioritise her health and well-being.

Raygun's story is a stark reminder of the pressures and challenges faced by athletes in the public eye, particularly in niche sports like breaking, which will make its official Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games. Her experience raises important questions about the impact of online scrutiny on performers and the need for a supportive and respectful community.

For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, many of whom have witnessed the evolution of various sports and the rise of the internet, Raygun's situation may resonate on a personal level. It's a reminder of the importance of kindness and understanding in our increasingly digital world.

We invite you to share your thoughts on Raygun's decision to leave the competitive breaking scene and your experiences with the power of online communities. Have you or someone you know faced similar challenges? How do you navigate the complexities of public perception and personal well-being? Join the conversation below and let us know your perspective.