The Paris 2024 Olympics saw breakdancing’s first appearance as an official Olympic sport, bringing a new form of artistic expression to the Games. Among the competitors was Australian dancer Rachael Gunn, whose unconventional “Kangaroo Dance” performance quickly became the subject of intense scrutiny and online backlash.

At 36, Rachael Gunn is not only an experienced breakdancer but also a university lecturer. Despite her years of experience, Gunn’s performance at the Olympics was met with criticism after she failed to score any points in her three group stage matches. Her “Kangaroo Dance,” which included moves reminiscent of a kangaroo’s hop and twist, was widely panned by viewers and judges alike.

The negative response from Australian netizens grew so intense that some even started a petition demanding apologies from Gunn and the Australian Olympic Committee. In response, Gunn took to social media to share her side of the story. “I approached the Olympics with seriousness and dedication, and I gave it my all,” she wrote. “I’m shocked by the level of hatred I’ve received. It’s been incredibly tough.”

The controversy didn’t stop at her dance moves, as discussions around race began to surface, something Gunn addressed with dismay. She urged the media and public to stop targeting her family, friends, and the street dance community in Australia.

However, not everyone agreed with the harsh criticism. Taiwanese breakdancer Sun Zhen praised Gunn’s daring approach, saying, “It’s easy to follow the rules, but it takes real courage to break them. Gunn’s performance was about pushing boundaries, not just winning points.”

Rachael Gunn’s experience at the Paris 2024 Olympics underscores the challenges and complexities of competing in new Olympic sports, especially when creativity and tradition collide.

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