Rachael Gunn ("Raygun") didn't win a medal, but her unusual breakdancing performance will live long in the public's memory. The Australian breakdancer went viral after failing to secure a single point on Friday.
Gunn gave her performance "the max" by doing head spins, waving her hands, rolling on her shoulders and reaching for her fingertips as she lay on one arm. Meanwhile, Ami Yuasa of Japan won gold, Dominika Banevi? of Lithuania took silver and Liu Qingyi of China took bronze.
@didyoucatchthis How Rachael Gunn Qualified For The 2024 Olympics. Rachael Gunn is not your average Olympian. A seasoned academic with a PhD in Cultural Studies, she's also a world-class breakdancer who recently secured her spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This unique blend of intellect and athleticism has made her a standout figure in the world of sports and academia. Gunn's journey to the Olympic stage began with her victory at the 2023 Oceania Breaking Championships. Her impressive performance earned her a coveted spot on the Australian Olympic team, making history as a trailblazing figure in the newly recognized Olympic sport of breaking. As a lecturer at Macquarie University, Gunn's research focuses on the "cultural politics of breaking." Her academic pursuits have undoubtedly enriched her understanding of the art form, allowing her to bring a fresh perspective to the dance floor. Gunn's ability to seamlessly transition between the classroom and the competitive stage is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication. Her participation in the Paris Olympics is not only a personal triumph but also a significant step forward for breaking as a recognized sport. Gunn's story inspires athletes and academics alike, demonstrating that it is possible to excel in both intellectual and physical pursuits.
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"I couldn't beat these girls at what they do best - their coordinated moves," Gunn told reporters, "What I bring is creativity."
Her performance quickly went viral on social media, with one person comparing her choreography to actress Julia Stiles' moves in the 2001 film Save the Last Dance.
"I want Raygun, the 36-year-old Australian breakdancer who looks like she's possessed by the spirit of Julia Stiles in 'Save the Last Dance,' to know that I'm now her biggest fan and she should never stop did what she's trying to do," wrote someone on the social network X.
With multiple comments like:
"Apparently she's a university lecturer AND a breakdancer, where does she find the time to do all this?"
"She should never stop doing what she's trying to do."
Other people found inspiration from her, saying:
"Suddenly I feel like my dreams of becoming an Olympian, despite having absolutely no talent, might not be so crazy."
Regardless of the results, Raygun managed to make a lasting impression and become a viral icon in her own special way.
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