- Breaker received worldwide criticism for her routine during the Paris Olympics
- Did not return to Australia with the rest of the Australian athletes
- Titmus reveals how the Aussies closed ranks to cheer her up
Two-time gold medallist Ariarne Titmus has thrown her support behind Australian champion Raygun, who has been mercilessly attacked on social media since her failed attempt at the Paris Olympics.
The 36-year-old has been involved in breakdancing since 2012 and completed her PhD on breakdancing culture at Macquarie University. Her PhD resulted in her selection for the Paris Olympics after winning her qualifying event in Sydney.
In Paris, however, things went wrong when her routine and outfit were slammed online, leading to criticism from hordes of critics on social media and even celebrities like Adele and Jimmy Fallon.
Her unconventional routine, featuring kangaroo jumps and an Australian-themed tracksuit, did not please the judges and earned her zero points in three bouts at Place de La Concorde.
Despite heavy criticism on social media, Raygun became a beloved figure in the Olympic village. When the time came for the closing ceremony at Stade de France and the heavily criticized breakdancer was the undeniable center of attention.
Raygun lived her dream in Paris, but was widely ridiculed for her performance at the Games
Two-time gold medalist Ariarne Titmus defended Raygun and said she was “heartbreakingly” saddened by her
Titmus had an unforgettable experience at the Paris Games and told Nova 100’s Jase & Lauren that she was “heartbroken” over the treatment Raygun received.
“You have to put yourself in her shoes a little,” said Titmus.
“We’re all sure she went there and did her best. She doesn’t go to the Olympics and not do her best.
“If something like that happened to me and I got so much criticism, you would be so upset and sad.”
Raygun performed the kangaroo jump on the shoulders of Australian rower Angus Widdicombe and then performed a new routine, much to the delight of the athletes.
Australian diver Domonic Bedggood posted footage saying: ‘Do it in the Louvre’. Australian cyclist Lauretta Hanson also praised the moment online, calling it iconic.
Australian rower Angus Widdicombe lifted Raygun onto his shoulders as the Australian team formed a guard of honour to cheer her on
The Aussies created a breakdancing circle so Raygun could entertain them while they waited for the buses to the closing ceremony
And Titmus said that was the Australian way at the Olympics: rally around all your teammates.
“She’s one of us, she’s a teammate, she’s on the Australian Olympic team, so we were all able to reach her,” she said.
‘On the closing night there were four hour lines for the buses from village to village.’
‘We just stood on the road waiting, and every thirty minutes we drove a little further.
‘While we waited, we made a sort of breakdance circle with speakers and a little path for her to walk along.
“She did the kangaroo dance and everyone gathered around her, trying to make her laugh and make her feel loved.
‘She was definitely smiling that night and I think that was good.
‘I just can’t believe the amount of fuss this has caused, it’s insane.
Raygun has been dancing competitively for 12 years and has a PhD in sports culture.
Unfortunately for Raygun and the other opponents, the new sport has already been scrapped for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The industry remains hopeful about the return to Brisbane in 2032. According to Shawn Tay, chairman of Breaking Federation, Paris has already increased the profile of the dance battle.
“We were warned from the beginning that some of the best breakers might not participate,” Tay said.
‘But now we’ve got them all in — we’ve got all the best breakers. Now they’re fighting for the glory of their country — it’s something completely different.
“And that has driven them to improve tremendously and work hard in a more scientific way.”