Tag: 2024 Paris Summer Olympics

It’s safe to say that Australian breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn has taken the internet by storm.

Gunn competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics‘ first-ever breakdancing event on August 9, facing off against France’s Sya Dembélé in the preliminary phase of the competition. Though she failed to score a point, losing 0-2 to the teenage breaking sensation, her unique dance moves quickly became the talk of the town shortly after competing.

In the leadup to the big day, Gunn – whose Olympic debut was at age 36 – told CNBC how the younger B-Girls’ style of dance would ultimately differ from those who skew a little older in age, and how it could affect each breakdancer’s overall score, which is based on originality and creativity.

“The younger competitors are great in their strength, fitness and explosiveness. But the older ones bring a different level of maturity to the dance,” she told the outlet. “My specialty is style and creativity, not dynamics or power moves like many other dancers.”

She added, “I don’t know if it’s going to be valued as much as some of the other criteria, but I hope people are still wowed by what I bring since it’s something different.”

Keep reading for five things to know about Rachael “Raygun” Gunn.

She’s Passionate About Dance

Gunn has always had an appreciation and passion for all forms of dance, as she explained in a throwback post via Instagram in July 2024.

“I remember going to the Sydney 2000 Olympics and never in a million years thinking that one day I would be an Olympian. I was always a dancer – ballet, ballroom, jazz, tap, you name it,” she captioned a carousel of photos, one of which showed her in a pink tutu when she was a young girl.

She added, “I’m so excited that at this year’s Olympics we get an opportunity to show the world the athleticism, dedication and mastery that’s required to succeed in dance.”

Rachael Gunn Has an Impressive Day Job

Not only is Gunn an Olympian, the Australian athlete is a lecturer at Sydney’s Macquarie University with a PhD in cultural studies.

She’s Australia’s First-Ever Olympic Breakdancer

Since breakdancing was just added to the Summer Olympics for its 2024 games, Gunn is her country’s first-ever breakdancer to compete for gold.

She reflected on qualifying for the Olympics via an Instagram post in November 2023.

“It’s been a week since I qualified for the Olympics and [to be honest] I’m still processing it. I’ve been so exhausted since the qualifier, not just physically but also mentally,” she wrote in part. “But I’m also so pumped for what’s next. I can’t wait to push myself even harder in my training. I can’t wait to represent my style, my crew, my city, my country, my region.”

She also represented Australia in the World Breaking Championships in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Rachael Gunn’s Breakdancing Routine Went Viral on Social Media

Gunn’s routine at the Olympics quickly went viral on social media after her performance. And while some internet users had a few choice words about her breakdancing, many embraced her unique moves and offered a playful take on her style.

“Raygun’s Kangaroo move was so dominant, it felt like the competition was over!” wrote one fan via X. “Give her the #breakdancing gold🥇. While some say #breakdancing shouldn’t be in the Olympics, it’s clearly impressive and fun #BreakingForGold #Olympics.”

Another added, “Two days before the #Olympic2024 ends and we think we’ve seen it all. And a new main character appears… a 36-year-old Australian breakdancer.”

She’s an Award-Winning Athlete

In addition to competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Gunn is also an award-winning athlete, taking home Sports Star of the Year at the 2024 Pedestrian TV Awards in July.

Pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati missed out on a chance to win an Olympic medal when his crotch got caught on the crossbar.

Ammirati, 21, had his qualifying track and field heat on Saturday, August 3. As he went to clear the crossbar, Ammirati couldn’t quite make it over. His penis (through his shorts) caught on the bar and he fell to the ground instead of making it over as intended.

After four attempts on the pole vault, Ammirati finished with a combined score of 5.60 and in 12th position, meaning he did not qualify for the next round of the competition and the chance to compete for a medal. Sweden’s Armand Duplantis, Norway’s Sondre Guttormsen and Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis tied for first. Sam Kendricks, the United States’ entrant, finished in seventh. There will be a second heat before the finals.

The men’s pole vault was Ammirati’s only event at the 2024 Olympics. He previously came in second place at the 2022 Mediterranean Games and in first at that year’s  World Athletics U20 Championships.

Ammirati has been training since childhood.

“I started pole vaulting at 12 because a girl in my club was doing it. I saw her jump and absolutely wanted to try it,” he wrote via Instagram in May 2023.

Ammirati previously trained in Clermont-Ferrand starting in 2021 before joining the Envol Club last year. Envol was founded by Olympian Renaud Lavillenie.

“I was fortunate to have an excellent mentor, Gérard Vialette, who once told me, ‘Listen, Anthony, I have nothing more to teach you. You need to go to the best; there’s no one better than Philippe d’Encausse,’” Ammirati told France’s La Montagne newspaper in February.

The 2024 Paris Olympics was Ammirati’s first time at the Games.

“A childhood dream coming true. Officially selected for my first Olympic games in Paris ❤️,” he wrote via Instagram last month before the opening ceremony. “What better than making them at home 🇫🇷. A big thank you to the whole team that accompanies me every day in my struggles! We did it 🤩.”

Two days before his qualifying heat, Ammirati was ready to hit the field.

“Safely arrived at the Olympic village :). Saturday the hostilities start with the qualifying competition at 10:10,” he captioned a Thursday, August 1, Instagram snap. “Can’t wait to jump with the encouragement of the French audience.”

Professional cheerleader Aleksandr Dissan commented at the time, “Thank you for showing the world how HARD pole vaulting can be!”

British equestrian Charlotte Dujardin announced that she has withdrawn from the 2024 Paris Olympics after footage of her allegedly whipping one of her horses surfaced.

Dujardin, 39, took to social media on Tuesday, July 23, to share the news and apologize for her actions as an investigation around the incident by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports continues. Her withdrawal comes just days before the Olympics begin on Friday, July 26.

“A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error in judgment during a coaching session,” Dujardin wrote via Instagram on Tuesday. “I have made the decision to withdraw from all competition — including the Paris Olympics – while this process takes place.”

She continued, “What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however, there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.”

The U.K. native, who has won a total of six Olympic medals throughout her career, added that she was “sincerely sorry” for her actions and is “devastated” to have “let everyone down,” including her Great Britain team, fans and sponsors.

“I will cooperate fully with FEI, British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage during their investigations and will not be commenting further until the process is complete,” she concluded.

According to The Guardian, a 19-year-old former student witnessed the alleged animal abuse during a lesson at a private stable and filed a complaint against Dujardin. Attorney Stephan Wensing, who is representing the teen, shared in a statement that he was glad the FEI has taken such a strong stand.

“Charlotte Dujardin was in the middle of the arena,” Wensing told The Guardian. “She said to the student: ‘Your horse must lift up the legs more in the canter.’ She took the long whip and she was beating the horse more than 24 times in one minute. It was like an elephant in the circus.”

Wensing claimed that the student initially thought the alleged behavior “must be normal” and was “warned against speaking out in the U.K.” before ultimately changing their mind.

“But last year my client saw others suspended in the UK and elsewhere,” Wensing’s statement continued. “And this weekend, she eventually made a decision to let me admit the complaint to the FEI and that happened yesterday. The FEI took this immediately very seriously.”

The FEI also released a statement on Tuesday, noting it received the footage of Dujardin on Monday, July 22, where she allegedly was seen “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare.”

“We are deeply disappointed with this case, especially as we approach the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. However, it is our responsibility and crucial that we address any instances of abuse, as equine welfare cannot be compromised,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “Charlotte has expressed genuine remorse for her actions, and we recognise and appreciate her willingness to take responsibility. Despite the unfortunate timing, we believe this action reaffirms the FEI’s commitment to welfare as the guardians of our equine partners and the integrity of our sport.”