Rachael Gunn

Biography

Rachael Gunn balances her academic life with a passion for breaking, a unique style of dance originating from hip hop culture. A lecturer at Macquarie University in Sydney, Rachael’s day job involves teaching and researching subjects like performance and media. However, her nights are reserved for break dancing, where she emerges as the fierce competitor known as Raygun. Rachael didn't start breaking until her mid-twenties, but she quickly made a name for herself, securing her place at the Oceania Breaking Championships in 2023 and earning a spot in Paris for the inaugural Olympic competition in breaking.

Rachael's journey to the Olympics is a testament to her dedication. Growing up, she didn't see herself as sporty but rather a dance enthusiast. Now, as the top-ranked B-girl in the Australian Breaking Association, she’s represented her country at the World Breaking Championships in Paris and Seoul. Despite some doubters, Rachael has continually pushed herself to excel, eager to grow the breaking scene and inspire future generations.

Holding a PhD that explores the intersection of gender and breaking culture, Rachael manages to juggle her academic responsibilities with the rigorous demands of breaking. Her training sessions, though not as lengthy as those of other athletes, are notably intense, reflecting the dynamic nature of the sport. As breaking prepares to make its Olympic debut, Rachael looks forward to showcasing her skills on the world stage and bringing her experiences back home to nurture the next wave of Australian breakers.