Raygun's New Challenge: Why the Viral Olympic Breakdancer Is No Longer at Her University Post
The university cited funding-model changes, international student declines and weaker arts demand as it cuts staff and courses.
- Media and popular culture lecturer Rachael Gunn, known as 'Raygun,' has taken a voluntary redundancy from Macquarie University after more than 15 years of association within the Faculty of Arts.
- Vice-Chancellor Bruce Dowton told a parliamentary inquiry earlier this month that faculty changes were necessary, citing an international student downturn and evolving course demand. The university declined to comment on confidential employment arrangements.
- Gunn completed her PhD at the institution in 2017, specializing in the gender politics of breaking. Since her viral performance at the Paris Olympics, she has focused on public speaking engagements and recently launched a website for bookings as a 'conversation starter.'
- 'I'm very worried for my colleagues,' Gunn told the Sydney Morning Herald, citing concerns about staff psychological stress and executive spending. She stated there needs to be a 'serious conversation about higher education in this country.'
- Inquiry chair Dr. Sarah Kaine raised concerns regarding 'sham redundancies' as casual staff replaced departing academics. Following the 2024 Games, Gunn faced online scrutiny but has since pivoted to professional speaking and Cameo appearances charging $50–$70 per video.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Rachael Gunn, The Legendary Olympic Breakdancer Known As Raygun, Reportedly Lost Her University Job
There is some bad news in the B-girl community as Rachael Gunn, better known as the infamous Olympic breakdancer Raygun, has reportedly lost her university job in Australia. Macquarie University had employed Raygun as a lecturer in the Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language, and Literature. However, according to the New York Post, , the Australian Financial Review reported that the university included Raygun’s position in t…
Olympic Sensation Raygun Faces Major Setback As She Loses Cushy University Job
Viral Australian Olympian Rachael “Raygun” Gunn has lost her job at Sydney’s Macquarie University after more than 15 years of association. In February 2026, the 38-year-old, who was an academic in the institution’s arts department, stepped down as part of the latest round of cost-cutting redundancies. Gunn became one of the biggest stories of the 2024 Paris Olympics for her widely memed breakdancing performance, which failed to earn her a single…
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