Introduction

The Olympic Games are known for their stellar athletes and jaw-dropping performances. However, history is also replete with stories of unforgettable failures and mishaps. Here, we delve into two of the most memorable and embarrassing Olympic performances: the marathon from the 1904 Olympics and the break dance routine of Rachael Gunn (Raygun) in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The 1904 Olympic Marathon: A Shitshow on Multiple Levels

The 1904 Olympic marathon in St. Louis, Missouri, exemplifies what could be described as a) {{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}{{invalid character}}. The ordeal was not just unpleasant, but downright terrifying, and it certainly ranks among the most infamous moments in Olympic history.

A Runway for Disasters

First and foremost, the marathon route was a disaster. Instead of setting a proper course, organizers simply trusted a lead car to guide the runners through the city. This improvised approach led to all sorts of problems as the road was mostly unpaved, causing a cloud of dust to kick up, enveloping the runners and the lead car alike.

The Doping Incident

Adding insult to injury, the winner, Thomas Hicks, was found hobbled and limping at the finish line. What the organizers didn’t know was that his coach and supporters were administering a mixture of rat poison, brandy, and egg whites, essentially doping him to keep him going. This concoction was considered a common practice back then, but it certainly lends a grim edge to his victory.

Health Hazards and Foul Play

The lack of hydration stations and the hot weather only added to the runners' suffering. On top of that, there were several incidents where runners collapsed from heat exhaustion and internal injuries. One runner, initially disqualified, received unexpected attention when someone confessed he had simply given up and hitchhiked his way back to the finish line. He was briefly declared the winner only to be debunked later.

The Cuban Runner's Challenges

The story of the Cuban runner is equally heart-wrenching. He gambled all of his money the night before and arrived at the venue in street clothes, having hitchhiked there. He had also not eaten in almost two days, consuming rotten apples along the way, leading to severe illness. Despite all these challenges, he managed to finish 4th in the race.

Wild Dogs and Chasing

For the South African athletes, the nightmare wasn't over. They were chased by wild dogs for nearly a mile, another testament to the sheer chaos and poor planning that characterized this marathon.

Due to these myriad issues, the Olympic committee initially considered abolishing the marathon event for the 1908 Olympics, only to reconsider after a well-planned and well-executed course was established in London.

Rachael Gunn's Breakdance Flop in 2024

Fast forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics, we have the story of Rachael Gunn, also known as Raygun. Over the years, Raygun has gained international fame through her unique breakdance style, combining kangaroo hopping with snake-like movements. At the Olympics, she took her performance to the next level, much to the delight—and confusion—of viewers around the world.

The Judges' Verdict

However, the highlight of the show did not go well with the judges. Under the new Trivium scoring system, which had its origins in the 2018 Youth Olympics, Raygun was not able to secure a single point from any of the judges. Her concoction of traditional breakdance moves with improvised elements was simply too out of the ordinary, leaving the judges baffled and surrounded by a sea of empty scores.

An Overnight Sensation

Raygun’s performance turned her into an overnight internet sensation, with a wide range of reactions ranging from shock to admiration. Her unique style and energetic delivery have made her a cult figure in the breakdance community, but her Olympic debut proved that the judges might be slow to adapt to new trends and styles.

The Significance of Raygun's Performance

Raygun's performance underscores the evolving nature of the Olympics and the changing ways audiences engage with the performances. While the 1904 marathon highlights the chaos and human element of the early Olympics, Raygun’s breakdance flops reveal the shifting dynamics and the increasing influence of standardized scoring systems.

In conclusion, the 1904 marathon and Raygun's failed performance in 2024 are case studies in the unexpected and captivating legacy of the Olympic Games. Whether through the highs and lows of human performance or the evolving standards of judging, these stories continue to resonate with audiences around the world.