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Does age have an impact on goal scoring?
I couldn’t help but think about my age during this competition, but I also tried not to think about it too much. I’m constantly reminded of this, but I also know that people older than me are doing amazing things. For example, a 39-year-old won the world finals in 2023. Judges don’t look at how many head spins you can do in a minute. It’s not about raw speed; there are so many things you need to consider when competing. Your maturity in understanding the roots of breaking can be a real advantage. It’s all about looking at what’s come before and drawing on those historical roots without copying them.
When did you first learn that breakdancing was going to be an Olympic sport?
Rumors started circulating in 2016/17. In 2018, the sport was included in the Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games, with great success. The Australian federation wasn’t formed until 2019, but that didn’t mean athletes from Oceania would be able to compete. I trained harder than ever, thinking, “Now is the time. Go for it.”
How do you deal with nerves on race day?
I like to stay focused. If I’m talking to someone, I’ll quickly realize I’m too distracted and walk away. I like to go through my set in my head. It’s very loosely structured, so you have to have a combination of moves and little routines ready. It’s all about how you string them together – that’s the freestyle part. You have to listen to the music the DJ plays all day to get into the zone and make sure you have confidence in yourself that you can do it no matter what happens.
What does your diet consist of on race day?
I try to eat first thing in the morning because I know that’s the only proper meal I’ll have all day. For me, that’s eggs, toast, mushrooms, and salad. Carbs are important to break down because you need a burst of energy, so I’ll have carbs and a protein bar.
Do the students you teach at Macquarie University know that you are going to Paris?
Yes. I’ve given talks about breakdancing and the Olympics and some students have come up to me and asked for autographs. Others have told me they’ll be watching and cheering for me, which is really special.
Which b-girls inspire you?
When I started breakdancing, I was obsessed with B-Girl Ayumi from Japan. I attended a workshop with her in 2013 and she has always encouraged and supported me. She is still learning breakdancing and will compete in the Olympic qualifiers – she can compete at the age of 40. She became famous when not many women were willing to compete with men. There is also B-Girl AT from Finland, she is very cool.
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What did your doctoral research teach you about breakthroughs?
A big part of my journey as a competitor and scholar has been learning about the history of breakdancing, and the culture of breakdancing in Australia and around the world. I spent a lot of time watching old footage of classic breakdancing scenes. Flashdance In the 1980s, the film inspired many people to start breaking the rules around the world. Other films, such as Beat Street and Wild style I also loved watching the clips of Rock Steady Crew and their only female breaker, Baby Love, who is an icon in the b-girl movement—the baby step is named after her. Rock Steady Crew even judged the competition. Countdown In the 1980s, they visited Australia.
I studied Contemporary Music and Cultural Studies as an undergraduate, and a year after graduating, I had no idea what to do. I worked as a receptionist for a while, but decided I loved learning, so I went back for a PhD. Dance and music are a big part of my life, and studying the intersection of the two was appealing. There was some research on Australian hip-hop culture in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but I saw a gap that could be filled.
Your husband is your coach. How does this work?
It totally makes sense – he’s the one who got me started breakdancing and we sometimes compete together. No one knows me better than him. He supports me and knows how much this means to me.
What do you usually wear when you perform?
I wear baggy jeans and baggy tees. I like the heaviness they bring. Maybe it’s because of my hip-hop background, but having the weight closer to the ground works for me and puts me in the right mindset. Even when I’m not competing, I like baggy clothes. Sorry, mom.
Dr. Rachael Gunn is a member of The Iconic’s “Got You Looking” campaign.
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