The 2024 Paris Olympics were filled with unforgettable moments, from Simone Biles’ stunning comeback to Noah Lyles clinching a narrow victory in the 100m. And then there was the Turkish shooter with an iconic stance that took everyone by surprise.
But overshadowing these events was Raygun’s viral “Kangaroo Dance.” The Australian breakdancer, whose real name is Rachael Gunn, captured attention on social media with her unique style, leading many to claim they could imitate her moves.
Though most found humor in it, some critics labeled her dance as a disgrace to the sport, prompting a petition from a user called “Someone Who hates corruption.” They demanded accountability for both Gunn and the Australian Olympic Committee President, Anna Meares.
The Change.org petition made claims that Gunn manipulated the selection process by establishing her own breakdancing governing body. It also alleged that she won the qualifier thanks to influence from her husband, who is the Olympic team’s coach.
The petition requests a public apology from both Gunn and Meares, along with an investigation into their business dealings and an apology to the global breaking community. As of now, it has over 40,000 signatures.
There’s just one catch: the claims appear to be baseless.
For starters, the petition repeatedly misnamed Gunn and Meares. A detailed report from Vox’s Aja Romano confirmed that Gunn did not create AUSBreaking, the body overseeing Australian breakdancing.
Moreover, Gunn and her husband had no role in team selection. The list of judges for the Oceania Breaking Championships, which served as the qualifier, is publicly accessible.
Judge Te Hiiritanga Wepiha clarified that Gunn genuinely earned her spot in the competition and even shared a 90-minute commentary on Instagram explaining her success.
Additionally, numerous breakdancers voiced their support for Gunn, including seasoned New Zealand breaker Dujon Cullingford, who criticized outsiders trying to steer the narrative without understanding the dance’s nuances.
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Martin Gilian, referred to as MGbility and head judge at the Olympics, also defended Gunn. In a press conference, he noted, “Breaking is all about originality, and Raygun showcased that through her performance inspired by her environment, like a kangaroo.”
He added, “She performed well, but some competitors were stronger overall. Her unique style scored well in Vocabulary and Originality when matched against US competitor Logistx.”
So, while her dance may have drawn laughter and skepticism, it was a true reflection of her individuality. The notion that Gunn manipulated her way into the Olympics? Definitely not the case.
For more Olympics news: Fact Check: Did Raygun Get Breaking Dropped From 2028 Olympics in LA?