Rachael 'Raygun' Gunn has publicly acknowledged the significant shortcomings in her preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics breakdancing competition, admitting she "couldn't even break" before taking the stage. The revelations are detailed in her Netflix documentary, "Untold Raygun: Breaking Badly," where Gunn, 39, also agreed the performance was "cringe." The fallout from her Olympic appearance led her to quit her job in academia.
It has emerged that Gunn did not receive formal Olympic training, as her head coach, Lowe Napalan, was reportedly overwhelmed with administrative duties for the Australian Breaking Association (AUSBreak), which he heads. Napalan stated that his involvement in Gunn's training was minimal, assisting only a handful of times and that he had "less than ten sessions, for sure" with her.
Napalan admitted to not seeing Gunn for much of the last two months leading up to the Olympics. He described sensing a "losing battle" during their infrequent interactions. He also confessed that he did not see her final routine until minutes before she performed, and he was visibly shocked by her planned moves. "I had to not have a face of shock," he recalled.
Gunn's primary training was reportedly handled by her husband, Samuel Free, also a breakdancer. Following Gunn's Olympic performance, which drew widespread criticism, footage of Free's dancing style circulated online, prompting mixed reactions regarding his skill.
Leah Clark, a B-girl known as Flix and a former friend of Gunn's, criticized Napalan's lack of direct involvement. "You're the head coach. Maybe you should oversee what your team is putting on the Olympic stage," Clark stated. While Clark maintained she had "no personal problem" with Gunn, she expressed feeling "offended" and "embarrassed" by the Olympic routine.
Gunn herself acknowledged in the documentary that she realized she lacked the skill to compete against world champions but chose not to withdraw to avoid future regret. "I don't like to have regrets and I think that I knew deep down if I walked away, I would have regretted it more," she said.
Despite the public backlash and mockery, Gunn continues to practice breakdancing. The documentary has faced its own share of criticism online, with some viewers labeling Gunn "delusional." However, others have offered support, with some finding the documentary insightful and characterizing Gunn as a "class act."
Gunn and Free have also denied accusations of cheating their way into the Games, claims that emerged following her viral Olympic performance. The documentary also touches upon their relationship, having met in 2008 while working at a call center before Free became her husband, coach, and a supporter through the intense public scrutiny.