[Source – amp.cnn.com]
Raygun’s Unexpected Ranking Amid Olympic Disappointment
Australian breaker Rachael “Raygun” Gunn, despite her disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics, currently holds the top spot in the latest world rankings for breaking, a competitive dance sport. Gunn, a 37-year-old university lecturer from Sydney, failed to score any points at the Olympics, with routines that included a controversial “kangaroo” dance that led to widespread online ridicule and abuse.
On Tuesday, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF), the sport’s governing body, released a statement to clarify Gunn’s unexpected position atop the rankings. According to the WDSF, the ranking system is based on each athlete’s top four performances within the past 12 months but excludes Olympic events, including those at the Paris Games and Olympic qualifiers held in Shanghai and Budapest. Additionally, the federation paused ranking events between December 2023 and the Olympics to allow athletes to focus on qualifying for the Games.
Due to these scheduling gaps, many breakers, including Gunn, are ranked based on a single event. Raygun’s first-place finish at the Oceania continental championships in October 2023 earned her the crucial 1,000 points that secured her spot at the top of the rankings.
Controversy Over Ranking Methodology
The current ranking methodology has faced criticism from within the breaking community, with many arguing that it does not accurately represent the sport or its culture. Zack Slusser, Vice President of Breaking for Gold USA, voiced his concerns, stating that the WDSF lacks credibility and support from the breakers themselves. “Speaking of the WDSF, they don’t have any real merit with the breakers or the breaking community,” said Slusser. He also pointed out the lack of events organized by the WDSF that would contribute to a more accurate world ranking.
According to Slusser, many breakers participated in WDSF-organized events solely to accumulate enough points to qualify for the Paris Olympics, with little to no incentive to continue beyond that. “Breakers had no incentive, no desire to even continue participating with the WDSF after that,” Slusser added. “Because they’re not cultural events. They are not enjoyable.”
In contrast, Slusser highlighted international competitions such as the Red Bull BC One championships, which are celebrated for their cultural significance and community focus. These events, unlike those organized by the WDSF, are more in tune with the authentic spirit and vibe of the breaking community.
Future Changes in Rankings
In response to the backlash, the WDSF has stated that the current rankings will evolve as more events take place, with changes expected to occur as soon as the Breaking for Gold World Series in Shanghai, scheduled for October. The federation’s approach suggests a move toward a more dynamic and representative ranking system as the competition calendar expands.
The controversy surrounding Rachael “Raygun” Gunn’s position underscores the ongoing tension between the competitive and cultural aspects of breaking. As the sport continues to grow on the global stage, balancing these elements will be crucial in shaping its future and maintaining its authenticity.
