A breakdancing judge has provided insights into why viral breaker Raygun received a zero score at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Breakdancing made its Olympic debut in Paris, adding a fresh and intriguing element to the games.
One performer, known as Raygun, gained viral attention for what many described as a ‘hilariously ridiculous’ routine at the Olympics.
The judges evaluate Olympians’ performances based on six criteria: creativity, personality, technique, variety, performativity, and musicality.
Raygun, whose real name is Rachael Gunn, ended up with no points in any of the three rounds she participated in.
Following her performance in Paris, Gunn has been subjected to online trolling.
Breakdancing judge MGbility has shared her thoughts, expressing sympathy for Gunn while clarifying the reasons behind her zero score.
Speaking to News Corp, the judge remarked: “I feel personally very sorry. The breaking and hip hop community definitely stands behind her. She was just trying to bring something new, something original and something that represents her country.”
“We stay with her. Just her level was maybe not as high as the other competitors.”
“Again, we’re using a comparative judging system. Her competitors were just better but it doesn’t mean that she did really bad. She did her best.”
MGbility further explained: “Unfortunately for her, the other b-girls were better. That’s why she didn’t score any votes in her rounds.”
“Breaking is all about originality and bringing something new to the table from your country or region and this is exactly what Raygun was doing.”
“She got inspired by her surroundings, which in this case, for example, was you know – kangaroo. The animal.”
“For breaking, when you look for innovations or originality, you always search outside of dancing. Martial arts, how the animals move, anything.”
Gunn spoke to the press immediately after the competition, saying: “I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best – their power moves.”
“What I bring is creativity.”
In addition to being a breakdancer, Gunn is a university lecturer at Macquarie University and holds a Ph.D. in cultural studies, according to her Olympic biography.
The performance wasn’t the only topic of conversation among Olympic viewers.
Before the Paris Olympics began, the International Olympic Committee permitted competitors to wear custom uniforms, as reported by the New York Post.
Gunn was notably the only athlete who donned a tracksuit representing her country.
She addressed the backlash on Instagram, stating: “Looking forward to the same level of scrutiny on what the b-boys wear tomorrow.”