What the Rest of the Olympic Breakdancers Were Like: Beyond the Australian Meme Sensation

Mia Nightshade

Updated Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

The Olympic breakdancing scene was nothing short of spectacular, with athletes showcasing incredible skill and athleticism. The viral Australian performance by RayGun may have dominated the memes, but here's a glimpse into what the rest of the competitors brought to the table.

The video captures athletes spinning on their hands, transitioning smoothly from freeze positions to power moves. Highlights include air flares and flawlessly controlled freezes, demonstrating the high level of expertise required in this sport.

One viewer exclaimed, "This is amazing. That is all." Another user, Tiny octopus, suggested, "You should have shown another women's round for an apt comparison."

While RayGun's performance garnered fame and criticism, with one comment noting, "As with most things, she's likely to get more fame & money from being totally useless than the rest of the actual dancers combined," others recognized the potential benefits. "Acknowledging breaking as a skill and putting it in front of people who normally wouldn't give it a chance might ultimately be beneficial to those other breakers as well," one user pointed out.

The authenticity of RayGun’s routine resonated with some viewers. "I like Australia better, RayGun was more authentic," one user commented. This sentiment was echoed by another who admired her bravery: "To KNOW you are that bad at dancing and then get on a global stage... that's more impressive than being good."

The men's semi-final between Canada and Japan also drew praise, with one user describing it as "crazy good." However, not everyone was impressed with breakdancing as an Olympic sport. "I dunno man, I'm really not feeling break dancing as an Olympic sport," one person remarked, questioning the fit of this counterculture activity in a formal setting.

For many, the Olympic breakdancing event was a nostalgic trip back to the 80s. "As a child growing up in New York City in the 80s, this brought back special memories for me. All those 80s breakdancing movies!" reminisced one viewer. Despite the mixed reactions, the integration of breakdancing in the Olympics has sparked significant conversation and interest.

While some viewers expressed disappointment, saying, "I watched the breakdancing at the Olympics and was really disappointed," others saw potential in its inclusion. "It's fresh. It's highly athletic," one user argued, advocating for its continued presence in future games.

The debate continues, but one thing is certain: the Olympic breakdancers, beyond the viral Australian act, showcased a level of skill and artistry that deserves recognition.

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View source: Imgur

Top Comments from Imgur

TinyOctopus

Tiny octopus thinks you should have shown another women's round for an apt comparison.

zortroz

This is f***ing amazing. That is all.

SisyphusAndRock

As with most things, she's likely to get more fame & money from being totally useless than the rest of the actual dancers combined. She's already a household name.

mungchomper

I like Australia better, RayGun was more authentic

Afewflowers

I keep seeing comments about how there are breakers out there who are even better. But it seems like acknowledging breaking as a skill and putting it in front of people who normally wouldn't give it a chance might ultimately be beneficial to those other breakers as well.

Anaphriel

Didn't she already say that she did the wacky routine because she knew she couldn't beat the other dancers?

mcmachack

We kept asking for a regular non-trained person to compete in the Olympics to use as a gauge for how good the athletes are, Raygun delivered

icutyouinyoursleep

I'm gonna be honest. Raygun has the biggest set of balls on earth. To KNOW you are that bad at dancing and then get on a global stage that will be recorded for all time to dance. That's honestly my worst nightmare... and she f***en killed it, nothing but confidence. Seriously, that's more impressive than being good IMHO.

demeris

ok so I haven't watched the Olympics in a long time. When the hell did breakdancing become an Olympic sport?

TheBigMcC

I watched the breakdancing at the olympics and was really disappointed. I’d seen people in the 80s dance much better than this with no training on an old bit of linoleum.

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