SYDNEY — Rachael Gunn, an Australian breaker, has announced her intention to retire from competitive breaking just three months after her controversial performance at the Paris Olympics. Her routine, which featured unconventional elements like a kangaroo hop, received significant attention but also led to criticism and conspiracy theories questioning her qualification for the Games.

At 37 years old, Gunn, who teaches at a Sydney university, admitted that her experience in August was so distressing that she reconsidered her plans to continue competing. “I’ve lost control over how I am perceived by others,” she stated during an interview on 2DayFM radio. “Initially, I was all set to keep competing, but the thought of doing that now feels overwhelming. I know there will be intense scrutiny, and performances will be recorded and shared online.”

This was the first time breaking was featured in the Olympics, and it’s uncertain if it will return in future Games, as it is not currently listed on the schedule for Los Angeles in 2028 or Brisbane in 2032.

Known by her stage name “Raygun,” Gunn faced harsh criticism on social media following her performance, with some users suggesting the Olympic qualifying process was flawed. In a previous interview on Channel 10’s The Project, she recounted her experience of being pursued by camera crews in the streets of Paris, revealing how overwhelming it was to confront the public’s reaction to her routine.

“It was surreal,” she reflected. “Feeling like I was being chased made me panic. I found it daunting to be in public for some time.” Despite the backlash, she expressed gratitude for the support she received from her peers within the sport.

Gunn has consistently defended her qualification for the Olympics, reiterating the legitimacy of her win at the Oceania championships. “That was a direct pathway to qualify,” she clarified. “There were nine judges from abroad, and I knew my chances were slim after qualifying for the Games. People were upset and didn’t truly understand breaking.”

She expressed her frustration about the conspiracy theories that arose, stating, “They were completely unfounded and disappointing, attacking not just me but the integrity of the sport.” Her routine also became the subject of mockery on television, including a segment on a popular late-night show.

Despite her decision to retire from competition, Gunn assured fans that she would not abandon breaking entirely. “I still dance and break, but it’s more intimate now, just in my living room with my partner,” she shared.