Australian Breaker Raygun Reaches World No. 1 Despite Olympic Struggles

PARIS, FRANCE — Dr. Rachael Gunn, better known by her breaking name “Raygun,” has unexpectedly become the No. 1-ranked female breaker in the world, despite a poor showing at the Paris Olympics.

The Australian dancer, famous for her unconventional routine that included kangaroo-like hops, scored no points in the Olympic competition but has risen to the top of the world rankings, according to the latest update from the World DanceSport Federation.

Raygun’s ranking, explained by the federation, is the result of her victory at the Oceania Continental Championships in October 2023.

That event carried significant ranking points, though it was a relatively small competition with mostly Australian and New Zealand competitors. Other breakers were focused on Olympic qualifying, which does not affect world rankings.

The World DanceSport Federation clarified that while Raygun’s performance at the Olympics garnered global attention — mostly negative — it had no impact on her ranking.

With few non-Olympic events in the past year, Raygun’s Oceania win held significant weight. However, her No. 1 position is temporary, as her Oceania victory will soon drop off the rankings.

Raygun’s journey to the top has drawn criticism and controversy, especially after the Australian Dance Federation denied any conflict of interest regarding her coach, who is also her husband.

Still, Raygun remains a figure of amusement and intrigue in the breaking world, as she prepares for a likely tumble down the rankings when the Oceania points expire next month.