Australian breakdancer’s breakthrough journey From street training to Olympic stage

When Rachael Gunn first delved into breaking, her family had reservations, preferring she pursue a more traditional dance style, now she prepares to step onto the Olympic stage for the first time.

The saying, "Those who can, do; those who can't, teach," a quote from George Bernard Shaw often used dismissively toward educators, has been powerfully challenged by Australian Olympian Rachael Gunn, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

Gunn, a competitor in breaking at the Paris Olympics, will have the support of her friends, family, and students as she takes the stage at the world’s premier sporting event. At 36, Gunn balances her role as a lecturer in Cultural Studies at Sydney's Macquarie University with her career as a professional breaker, where she is celebrated by fans as B-Girl Raygun.

"In 2023, many of my students were skeptical when I told them I was training to qualify for the Olympics," Gunn recounted. "They were astonished when they checked Google and saw that I actually made the cut."

During a guest lecture at another university this year, Gunn experienced a first when a few students approached her for autographs, an unexpected gesture that left a strong impression on her, as she shared in an interview with CNBC.

Gunn's academic work focuses on breaking and hip-hop culture, as well as addressing gender stereotypes associated with these dance forms. With breaking making its Olympic debut, Gunn faces her most significant competition yet. She has represented Australia in the World Breaking Championships in 2021, 2022, and 2023, earning recognition as the country’s top female breaker.

After ranking 64th out of 80 competitors in last year's September championship, Gunn committed to training "harder than ever" to secure her place in Paris. "In breaking, you never know what will happen on the day of the competition," she said. "With the stakes higher for the Olympic qualifiers, I prepared 10 different routines, ensuring each incorporated all the necessary elements and moves."

"I was determined to make it, so I gave it everything I had throughout the competition," Gunn said. "I really, really wanted it and fought hard to put it all out there."

Road to Paris

Gunn's path to the Olympic dance floor was particularly challenging, as she began breaking later in life than many of her peers. However, she believes her age offers a distinct advantage.

"While younger competitors excel in strength, fitness, and explosiveness, older breakers bring a different level of maturity to the dance," Gunn explained.

In a sport that prizes originality and creativity, Gunn aims to distinguish herself with a unique style. "My focus is on style and creativity, rather than just dynamics or power moves," she said. "I’ve developed my own moves, sequences, and distinct way of moving."

Gunn acknowledges that while her specialty may not align with all the traditional criteria, she hopes her innovative approach will still captivate the judges. "I’ve ticked most of these boxes because it’s my strength," she added. "I’m not sure how it will be received compared to other criteria, but I hope people are impressed by the originality I bring."

From ballet to tap, Gunn was exposed to a variety of dance forms from a young age, but she discovered breaking later in life. It wasn’t until she was 20 that her then-boyfriend—now her husband and coach—introduced her to breaking. He encouraged her to pursue it because of her exceptional ability to grasp musical beats and rhythms more quickly than many of his other students.

“I have a strong intuitive sense of musicality,” Gunn explained. “I’ve always been able to identify different parts of the music, quickly pick up steps, and accurately translate them into movement.”

As an older dancer, Gunn had to be particularly mindful of avoiding injuries. “My coach has sometimes criticized me for being overly cautious, but it has paid off. I’ve never suffered a serious injury—only minor twinges that were easily managed with physiotherapy,” she said.

When she first began breaking, Gunn lacked the upper body strength required for the discipline, something she has worked to build over the past 13 years.

Paving the Way for Others

Now, as she represents her country on the world’s biggest stage, Gunn reflects on the evolution of breaking. “In Australia, breakdancing was once viewed as somewhat of a joke. Being recognized as an Olympic sport brings a crucial level of legitimacy to the dance form. It’s clear that the broader public needed this validation to take what we do seriously,” Gunn remarked.

Her family initially had their reservations as well.

“They were pleased to see me dancing again, especially after all the time and money invested in my early training,” Gunn said. “However, they would have preferred if I had chosen a more traditionally feminine dance style.”

Her parents were particularly concerned about the late-night street training associated with breaking. Despite these early concerns, Gunn noted that her family has since become much more supportive and invested in her journey.

As she prepares to take the Olympic stage next week, Gunn is also focused on inspiring the next generation of dancers. “We’re excited to inspire a new wave of people to embrace breaking,” she said. “We want to share this culture, dance, and sport with as many people as possible.”