The Paris 2024 Olympics marked the historic debut of breakdancing as an official Olympic sport, with competitors from around the world showcasing their best moves on the global stage. Among them was Australian dancer Rachael Gunn, whose unique “Kangaroo Dance” caught the attention of the internet—not for its technical brilliance, but for its unusual style. Gunn’s performance, which earned her zero points from the judges, has since sparked a wave of criticism from Australian netizens, leading to a heated online debate.
Rachael Gunn, 36, is not only a breakdancer but also a lecturer in the Faculty of Arts at Macquarie University. Despite her ten years of dance experience, Gunn’s Olympic performance left many viewers unimpressed. Her “Kangaroo Dance,” which involved hopping and twisting on the ground like a kangaroo, failed to resonate with the judges, resulting in three straight losses in the group stage and zero points.
Facing widespread criticism from her fellow Australians, Gunn took to social media to address the backlash. “I took the competition very seriously and gave my all in preparing for the Paris Olympics,” she wrote. “I had fun out there, but I didn’t expect this level of hate. It’s been devastating.”
The controversy took a darker turn as racial tensions were brought into the discussion, something Gunn expressed frustration over. “I never intended to open the door to so much hatred. I sincerely ask the media to stop harassing my family, friends, and the broader Australian street dance community.”
Despite the criticism, some voices in the dance community have come to Gunn’s defense. Taiwanese breakdancer Sun Zhen praised Gunn for her creativity and courage, saying, “She didn’t come to beat others; she came to challenge herself. What she did on the Olympic stage was something no one else dared to do.”
The debate surrounding Gunn’s performance highlights the complexities and challenges of introducing new sports to the Olympics and the diverse expressions of art and culture within them.
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