A breakdancing figure known for elevating dance battles onto a global platform has recently criticized Australia's Rachael "Raygun" Gunn for being out of place in the dance scene at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Known as a b-boy pioneer, Richard "Crazy Legs" Colón made an impact by pushing hip-hop dancing into the mainstream spotlight and showing the talents of the Rock Steady Crew in London and Paris in 1983.
Raised in the bustling streets of Manhattan, Colón began honing his breaking skills at a young age. By 1979, he had joined the iconic Rock Steady Crew and later assumed the role of its president.
Even now, Colón remains a prominent figure in the dance community, impacting it through various avenues such as outreach programs, teaching dance, and producing theatrical shows.
In the aftermath of Raygun's interpretive routine at the Paris Olympics, social media was abuzz with mockery and ridicule, but Colon's reaction was far from amused.
He believes authorities should have undergone more thorough screening to prevent tarnishing the sport's reputation during its global premiere.
Speaking to the New York Post, the 58-year-old breakdancing legend said, "There should be an investigation into why the World DanceSport Federation allowed this to happen."
"They should have required a certain level of expertise to be at the Olympics."
He went on to explain, "Breaking comes from a culture of people who have lived a difficult life - so when we see something like that, we're like, 'Yo, is that a joke?'"
"Maybe it's a hobby for her - and that's fine. Do your thing, girl, have fun. But you're on the wrong stage. You can't just go in there and disrupt a whole culture of people."
In addition to his other criticisms, Colón pointed out that Raygun had deprived another talented breakdancer of the chance to showcase their skills at the Olympics.
Drawing an analogy, he remarked, "You don't have to be an expert to a drive a car but you have to be good enough not to hurt other people on the street," his comparison highlighted the impact of her performance, likening it to a car accident.
"The bumbling B-girl took the place of more talented Australian breakers likely because they lacked the resources or money to make it to the Olympics."
"It would have been nice if she had bowed out. She was taking an opportunity from someone else."
Meanwhile, Raygun addressed the critics saying how it's "devastating."
The professor said in an Instagram video, "I didn't realize that that would also open the door to so much hate, which has frankly been pretty devastating."
"I went out there and I had fun. I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics, and I gave my all, truly."
"I'm honored to have been a part of the Australian Olympic team, and to be part of breaking's Olympic debut. What the other athletes have achieved has just been phenomenal."
According to a change.org petition, "Hold Raygun Rachel Gunn & Anna Mears Accountable for Unethical Conduct Olympic Selection," allegations were made against Raygun and the Australian Team Chef de Mission Anna Meares. The petition accused the breakdancer of establishing a breakdancing governing body for her benefit and influencing the selection process. It also raised concerns about the involvement of her husband and coach, Samuel Free, in judging her qualifying event.
However, it's worth noting that, according to Business Insider, to secure a spot in the breaking competition in the Paris Olympics, participants had three paths to qualification: excelling at the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) championships in September 2023, succeeding in a continental qualifying event, or participating in an Olympic qualifier series event in 2024. Raygun's ticket to Paris was earned by winning the 2023 WDSF Breaking Oceania Championship in October 2023.
