At the Paris Olympics, breakdancing made its debut as a new sport. Raygun was one of the competitors, but her performance didn’t go as planned. She attempted a routine inspired by a kangaroo, but it didn’t impress the judges. People made fun of her, calling her routine strange and mocking her outfit. She was even parodied on TV shows. Many questioned how she had even made the Olympic team. It seemed like no one believed in her.
The Road to World Number One
But in a surprising twist, Raygun is now the world’s top breakdancer. On Wednesday, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) announced her as the number one ranked breaker. This unexpected victory came as a shock to many, especially since she didn’t score any points at the Olympics.
How did this happen? The WDSF explained that the rankings are based on each dancer’s four best performances in the past 12 months. Raygun’s victory at the Oceania Continental Championship in October 2023 earned her 1,000 points. While other breakdancers also scored high in other events, like Japan’s B-girl Riko, Raygun’s event carried more weight. This gave her the top spot in the rankings.
However, this system didn’t consider Olympic performances. Breakdancers who made it to the podium in Paris, like Ami Yuasa, Dominika Banevic, and Liu Qingyino, weren’t included in the rankings because Olympic events didn’t count. Raygun, despite her Olympic struggles, managed to claim the number one position.
Facing Criticism and Bouncing Back
Raygun’s journey hasn’t been easy. She faced heavy criticism after the Paris Olympics. Many breakdancing fans didn’t understand her style, and she became the target of online hate. On Australian television, she admitted that she knew people wouldn’t understand her moves, but she still wanted to enjoy the opportunity to compete.
In her interview, Raygun said, “As soon as I qualified, I was like, ‘Oh my God, what have I done?’ I knew I was going to get beaten, and I knew people wouldn’t understand my style.” Despite this, she remained proud of her efforts, saying she worked hard and gave it her all at the Olympics.
Raygun also faced criticism from some high-profile people. A petition gathered over 45,000 signatures, demanding that she and the Australian team’s head of mission apologize for what some saw as undermining the efforts of other athletes. However, she also had strong supporters, including her fellow Olympians and the Australian Prime Minister.
Despite the backlash, Raygun has proven her worth by reaching the top of the rankings. Her reign at number one may be short-lived, as the WDSF is expected to change its ranking system soon. But for now, Raygun can enjoy her success, knowing she has overcome the odds.
The Power of Resilience – A Stormlight Archive Comparison
Raygun’s story of being ridiculed and then rising to the top is like a scene from The Stormlight Archive. In the Wind and Truth cover, heroes often face challenges that seem impossible to overcome. But through resilience, hard work, and belief in themselves, they eventually succeed.
Just like Kaladin in The Stormlight Archive, Raygun was underestimated and mocked. People didn’t see her potential, but she pushed through the negativity. In the end, she rose to the top, showing that success often comes after the hardest struggles.
What’s Next for Raygun?
Raygun’s time at the top of the rankings may not last long. The WDSF has said that the rankings will change after the next Breaking for Gold World Series in Shanghai in October 2024. The ranking system will also adjust after the 12-month points period ends, meaning other breakdancers will have the chance to catch up.
However, Raygun’s journey has already made an impact. She’s shown that even when the world is against you, hard work and determination can still lead to success. Her story will be remembered in the breakdancing community and beyond.
Conclusion
Rachael “Raygun” Gunn’s story is one of perseverance. From being mocked at the Paris Olympics to becoming the world’s best breakdancer, she has proven that anything is possible. Her journey reflects the powerful themes of resilience, much like the characters in The Stormlight Archive Wind and Truth Cover. Though her reign at the top may be brief, Raygun’s rise to success will inspire others for years to come.
