In a twist that has left many in the world of competitive breakdancing scratching their heads, Australian dancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn returned home to Sydney, making headlines once again. But this time, it’s not for her performance at the Paris Olympics, which saw her finish second to last—it’s because she’s now ranked as the world’s number one breakdancer.
That’s right. Despite failing to register a single point during the Olympics, where she finished just ahead of a disqualified competitor, Gunn has somehow managed to climb to the top of the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) rankings. Her rise to the top comes thanks to the 1,000 points she earned from winning the WDSF Oceania Championship, which secured her spot in Paris. But many are questioning the integrity of a ranking system that elevates someone who performed so poorly on the world’s biggest stage.
Gunn’s performances in Paris drew criticism for their lackluster execution, with spectators and commentators alike expressing disbelief that she was even in the competition, much less being crowned world number one. Still, the WDSF rankings seem more concerned with regional victories than actual Olympic results. It’s no wonder many are left questioning the legitimacy of such a system.
Even more perplexing is the absence of the true champions—the women who earned medals in Paris—from the world rankings. No points were offered for Olympic performances, making it seem as though the actual results of the highest-profile breakdancing competition didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. Instead, regional competitions like the Oceania Championship carry more weight in determining who tops the list.
Joining Gunn in the WDSF’s controversial rankings are three other Australians: Holy Molly (ranked 4th), Hannah (5th), and G-Clef (8th). While it’s an impressive showing for Australia, the system itself appears deeply flawed if Olympic medalists are excluded from the rankings entirely. How can a dancer who couldn’t score a point at the Olympics be considered the best in the world?
This strange scenario reflects a broader issue in the sports world, where merit and achievement are increasingly being overshadowed by participation trophies and bureaucratic ranking systems. It’s a classic example of modern-day entitlement creeping into competitive arenas where hard-earned success should be the ultimate measure.
Rachael Gunn may be proud of her newfound title, but many will continue to question the value of her top-ranking status when the most talented competitors are ignored by the system. This kind of topsy-turvy outcome could harm the credibility of breakdancing as it tries to establish itself as a legitimate Olympic sport.
The question on everyone’s mind is simple: how can an athlete who finishes near the bottom of the Olympic competition be crowned the best in the world? For many, this is just another example of how modern competitive frameworks are failing to reward real achievement, opting instead for feel-good stories that don’t reflect actual performance. And in the long run, that could be damaging for sports like breakdancing, where legitimacy is still being built.
