'Kinda cool' Raygun made breakdancing famous, Asian Games B-girls say

NAGOYA: Some of Asia's top B-girls gave their full support to Australian Rachael Raygun Gunn on Friday, praising her pioneering role in bringing breakdancing to the global stage. Gunn's performance at the Paris 2024 Games, however, made her a laughing stock due to her unorthodox routine. The 39-year-old's moves, which included kangaroo hops and imitating a sprinkler, were copied on late-night talk shows and mercilessly parodied online.

Conspiracy theories abounded in Australia to explain how the university lecturer had made it onto the Olympic team. Gunn said the intense scrutiny had been "really upsetting" and she retired from competition shortly after the Paris Games. Asian Games B-girls at the biggest multisports event since Paris lent their support to Gunn, suggesting she should reverse her decision to retire.

They argued that breakdancing is an art form with many different interpretations and that her performance helped bring the sport to a wider audience. Kazakhstan's Sayora Alibekova, a 24-year-old B-girl, said she didn't want to criticize Gunn's style, stating that breaking allows for various interpretations. She added that she feels bad for Gunn because no one should be hated for just dancing.

Alibekova's sentiments were echoed by other B-girls, who expressed sympathy for Gunn and admiration for her unique style. Japan's Ayane Nakarai, a home hope for women's gold, watched Gunn's display in Paris and thought she was enjoying the moment. She urged others not to judge her and emphasized the importance of supporting and protecting confident performers like Gunn.

Vacharapa Vivy Orankicharoen, a 19-year-old Thai B-girl, also welcomed Gunn's contribution to the sport, stating that people should appreciate her confidence and the way she represented her country. She agreed with Alibekova, saying there is no right or wrong in breakdancing and expressing her support for Gunn's unique style.