Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 10, 2024 2:21 am GMT
Breakdancer Raygun Emerges World’s No. 1 Despite Olympic Setback
In an unexpected twist of events, Australian breakdancer B-Girl Raygun, also known as Rachel Gunn, has been crowned the number one female breakdancer globally by the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF). This recognition comes in the wake of a challenging Olympic debut, where Raygun faced tough competition and failed to score any points in her battles.
Raygun’s Olympic Journey
At 37 years old, Raygun’s Olympic experience was marked by a series of struggles. Competing against dancers from France, Lithuania, and the U.S. during the 2024 Paris Olympics, Raygun experienced a harsh reality, losing each of her battles with a score of 18-0. Although she didn’t finish last in her heats—a competitor from another nation was disqualified—her performance was widely critiqued. Many pointed to her unconventional style, which included hopping and unexpected body movements, as factors contributing to her low scores.
World DanceSport Federation Rankings Explained
Despite her underwhelming Olympic outcome, Raygun’s ranking is bolstered by her impressive performance in prior competitions. The WDSF rankings are calculated based on an athlete’s top four results in the last year, which allowed Raygun to secure the top spot following her success at the WDSF Oceania Championship, where she accumulated 1,000 points. This seems particularly significant, given that many other dancers who medaled at the Olympics, including Japan’s Ami, Lithuania’s Nicka, and China’s 671, do not appear in the WDSF’s top ten.
The Role of Olympic Qualifiers
Interestingly, the WDSF announced that scores from recent Olympic qualifying events held in Budapest and Shanghai did not impact the rankings. A statement from the federation clarified, “In alignment with the Olympic Qualification System, ranking events were intentionally not held between December 31, 2023, and the Olympic Games Paris 2024.” This decision aimed to allow athletes to concentrate on their final preparations for the Olympics without the burden of ongoing ranking competitions.
Future Changes in Rankings
Raygun’s position at the top may not be stable for long. The WDSF rankings are dynamic and subject to change. Many of the current athletes have only one competitive result influencing their rankings due to expired points from earlier events. Additionally, another critical competition, the Breaking for Gold World Series, is scheduled for October, which could significantly alter the rankings yet again.
Community Reaction and Raygun’s Response
<pFollowing her Olympic performance and subsequent ranking announcement, reactions from the breakdancing community have been mixed. While some have praised her resilience and talent, many have criticized her Olympic routine. On August 15, in response to the backlash, Gunn shared her feelings on social media. Expressing gratitude for the support she received, she acknowledged the intense criticism she faced, describing it as "pretty devastating." She reflected on her efforts in preparation for the Olympics and her commitment to the sport.
Breaking New Ground in Olympic History
Raygun’s journey in competitive breakdancing marks a significant chapter in the sport’s Olympic history. As breaking joins the ranks of traditional Olympic disciplines, the evolving nature of rankings and performances will be closely observed. While she currently holds the title of the world’s top female breakdancer, the upcoming competitions will play a crucial role in shaping the future narrative of this exciting sport.
For those interested in following the developments in breakdancing and future competitions, updates are available through the World DanceSport Federation’s official channels.
Check out the World DanceSport Federation’s website to learn more about the event rankings and breakdancing competitions!
