Breaker Rachael Gunn has announced her retirement from competitive breaking, citing the intense scrutiny she faced after her performance at the Paris Olympics. The 37-year-old athlete, who became a standout figure at the 2024 Games, saw her innovative routines go viral, sparking both admiration and widespread mockery. Despite the sport being dropped from the Olympic program for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, Gunn has decided to step away from local competitions as well.
"I was planning to continue competing, but it now seems incredibly challenging for me to face another battle," she shared on 2DayFm. "I still dance and break, but only in the comfort of my living room with my partner." Although Gunn didn't advance past the first round in Paris, her unique moves, including a kangaroo hop and the sprinkler, became a hot topic on social media. Her sudden fame also led to conspiracy theories about her Olympic qualification, which she found deeply distressing.
"It's still hard to comprehend. The conspiracy theories were completely outlandish, and it was incredibly upsetting because I felt powerless over how people perceived me, my partner, and my story," she lamented. Amidst the negativity, there were bright spots. Singer Adele praised Gunn's performance during a concert in Munich, calling it her "favorite Olympic moment." Gunn also met Sir Richard Branson, graced the covers of glossy magazines, and is currently featured in an online campaign for a comparison website.
However, despite her rising profile, Gunn feels she can no longer compete in the growing Australian breaking scene. "The level of scrutiny and the potential for everything to be filmed and shared online means the experience won't be the same. There's just too much at stake," she explained. Gunn qualified for the Olympics by winning the 2023 Oceania Championships in Sydney and, due to a ranking calculation anomaly, was even named the top-ranked female athlete in the sport in September. This recognition was met with another wave of online backlash.
Gunn remains positive, crediting supportive messages from fans for helping her through tough times. "It's these messages that keep me going—people saying I've inspired them to overcome their shyness and pursue their dreams. They've brought joy and laughter, and I hold onto those words dearly," she said.
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