Dr Gunn has published a number of academic papers on the culture of breaking and in an interview with Macquarie University before she travelled to Paris, she said: “My current practice-based research is an extension of my previous work… but it is taking it to the high-stakes environment of the Olympics.”
In another she acknowledged she had always been as much a fan as a participant in the sport.
In a first person piece in the Economist, she said: “Breaking is highly accessible, making it particularly attractive to those often excluded from traditional sports and the institutions that support them, either because they don’t fit or can’t afford club fees, uniforms or equipment.”
Speaking after the competition, Dr Gunn said she knew she couldn’t compete with the other athletes’ tricks and spins and strength moves, so she had tried to be more creative.
In a post on Instagram following the backlash, she wrote: “Don’t be afraid to be different. Go out there and represent yourself, you never know where that’s going to take you”.
Anna Meares, Australia’s Chef de Mission at the Games, defended the athlete and said: “Raygun is an absolutely loved member of this Olympic team. She has represented the Olympic team, the Olympic spirit with great enthusiasm.”
The World Dance Sport Federation has not responded to a request for comment.
Breaking will not feature at Los Angeles 2028.