Controversial Australian Breaker Rachael Gunn Ranked Number One Female Breakdancer Globally

In a surprising turn of events, Australian breaker Rachael Gunn, also known as Raygun, has been named the top female breakdancer in the world by The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF). Despite a controversial performance at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, where she finished the breaking event with a score of zero, Gunn's global ranking has caused a stir in the dance community.

Gunn's Olympic routine raised eyebrows with its unconventional moves, including a kangaroo hop. Many questioned how she had qualified for the Olympics in the first place. Responding to inquiries about the ranking, the WDSF clarified that their system did not consider the Olympic competition or qualifiers. They stated, "Due to the unique circumstances this year, some athletes are ranked based on a single event right after the Olympic Games."

The WDSF highlighted that the current rankings should be interpreted alongside recent global Breaking competitions to provide a more accurate reflection of the global competitive landscape. They also mentioned that ranking events would resume later this year.

Meanwhile, Gunn faced a wave of criticism and online abuse following her appearance at the Olympics. In a statement posted on social media, she expressed gratitude for the positive feedback but admitted the hate she received had been devastating. Gunn emphasized that her goal was to bring joy and that she had worked diligently, taking the competition seriously and putting her all into it.

Breaking, which made its Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris Games, will not be part of the program for the next Summer Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles, California.

Despite the controversy surrounding her performance, Rachael Gunn's ranking as the number one female breakdancer globally by the WDSF has brought attention to the evolving landscape of this emerging Olympic sport. With ranking events set to resume later this year, it remains to be seen how the hierarchy of the breakdancing world will develop in the coming months.