The breaking community has been rallying behind b-girl Raygun following her performance at the Paris Olympics, where she received zero points for her „kangaroo dance.“ Despite the criticism she faced, head judge Martin Gilian, also known as MGbility, defended Raygun’s originality, stating that breaking is all about bringing something new to the table and representing one’s country or region. He emphasized that Raygun was inspired by her surroundings, which in this case, happened to be a kangaroo. The breaking and hip-hop communities have shown their support for Raygun, highlighting the importance of creativity and individuality in the sport.
While Raygun’s performance may not have been as strong as her competitors, MGbility clarified that it did not mean she did poorly. He acknowledged that she had won the Oceania qualifier and had done her best at the Olympics. Sergey Nifontov, the general secretary of the World DanceSport Federation, assured that they have been in direct contact with Raygun and Australian Olympic team officials, offering mental health support in light of the online criticism she faced.
Breaking, also known as break dancing, made its Olympic debut in Paris but is not included in the program for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The next Summer Games after that will be held in Brisbane, Australia. Team USA breaker Victor Montalvo made history by winning the first-ever bronze in breaking, showcasing the sport’s global appeal and competitive nature.
Despite the criticism and challenges faced by Raygun, the breaking community remains optimistic about the future of the sport. Federation president Shawn Tay defended the evolution of breaking from its roots in the Bronx in the 1970s to its Olympic appearance, emphasizing the hard work and dedication of the athletes. Critics have raised concerns about the commercialization of the sport, but Tay highlighted the positive impact of Olympic participation on the athletes‘ skills and competitiveness.
Japanese b-girl Ami, who won the gold medal in Paris, expressed disappointment that breaking will not be featured in the Los Angeles Olympics, considering the sport’s origins in the USA. She emphasized that breaking is not just a sport but also a form of self-expression and art. The breaking community continues to push for recognition and respect for the sport, showcasing its cultural significance and artistic value on a global stage.
