Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, from Australia, has declared her retirement from competitive breaking after a negative experience tied to her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Gunn gained significant attention this summer due to her unconventional performance in the first Olympic breaking event, which drew criticism and ultimately contributed to her decision to step away from the sport.

“I’ve decided I won’t be competing anymore,” Gunn revealed on the “Jimmy & Nath Show” aired on Australia’s 2DayFM. “I was planning to continue competing, but it has become really tough for me to think about entering another battle. I still dance and break, but it’s just in my living room with my partner.”

She expressed her frustration, saying, “It’s been really upsetting. I felt like I lost control over how people perceived me and who I am.”

At 37, Gunn, a college lecturer in Sydney, experienced notable recognition during the Paris Olympics, despite losing all three group-stage battles without earning a single point. One of her standout moves was imitating a kangaroo, Australia’s national animal.

“Dancing is a joyful experience that should make you feel good,” she commented. “People shouldn’t feel bad about how they dance.”

Although breaking will not make an appearance at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Gunn was asked if she would ever return to compete in the games, to which she firmly replied, “no.” She stated she has no intention of competing at any professional level either.

“The level of scrutiny will be immense, and everyone will be capturing it on video, which will then circulate online. It won’t hold the same meaning,” Gunn explained. “The experience will be entirely different considering the stakes involved.”

Gunn noted she encountered numerous conspiracy theories regarding her Olympic participation. An online petition alleging that she rigged the selection process garnered 50,000 signatures before being removed upon the Australian Olympic Committee’s request. She labeled the theories as “absolutely absurd,” but emphasized her efforts to concentrate on the positive aspects of her Olympic journey.

“That’s what keeps me going,” she shared. “People reached out to say, ‘You inspired me to try something I’ve been hesitant to do. You’ve brought us joy and laughter. We’re proud of you.'”