Paris Olympics 2024: Social media lights up over breakdancing’s debut at Paris Games

Breakdancing’s one-and-done foray into the Olympics has been widely panned after the opening day of competition in Paris.

The sport made its debut at the world’s biggest global sporting competition on Saturday morning (AWST), with Australia’s Rachael Gunn — or Raygun — among the athletes involved.

But it has already been snubbed for the Los Angeles Games and hasn’t landed well in France either.

A flurry of fans on social media have lashed it as “not a sport”, with many saying it is the least amount of skill ever required for an Olympic medal.

Raygun lost all of her battles in the group stage and exited the competition after the first round.

“I always like to give the new sports a chance, so can confirm it’s an ABOMINATION. The lowest bar ever to be cleared for an Olympic medal,” one X user posted.

Another user compared Raygun’s thrusting action to “when my calf cramps up in bed”

“C’mon this not a sport, this isn’t anything except turbo cringe,” another shared.

But Gunn defended her sport’s inclusion in the Games and said Los Angeles organisers pulled the trigger too soon on its axing.

“It was disappointing it was decided that it wouldn’t be in LA, particularly before we even had a chance to show it,” she said.

“That was possibly a little premature. I wonder if they’re kicking themselves now?

“What is an Olympic sport? What are the similarities between dressage and artistic swimming and the 100m sprint and the pentathlon?

“Breaking is clearly athletic, it clearly requires a whole level of dedication across a number of different aspects. It’s really bringing a new level of excitement.

“Despite being obviously outclasssed by her competitors, Raygun, Gunn was all smiles throughout the three rounds — and those who know her said the internet pile-on won’t take the smile off her face.”

The men’s side of the draw begins later on Saturday night, with Australian athlete Jeff Dunne — or J-Attack — set to compete.