Australian breakdancer Raygun has become an overnight sensation after her performance in Paris at the 2024 Olympics on Friday went viral.
The 36-year-old, whose real name is Rachael Gunn, caught the eye after writhing awkwardly on the dance floor, displaying a level of skill far below that of many of her competitors.
On Saturday, she was dubbed “the Queen of Australia” in a new viral video shared on Facebook by comedians The Inspired Unemployed.
In the clip, she danced down the street with the duo, showing off the skills that made her famous.
Not everyone was impressed, however, as several comments below the video shared harsh opinions about the athlete.
“Pathetic! He made a mockery of the sport and took away a real Australian breakdancer’s chance,” one person wrote.
“This is what happens when you give out prizes for participating…” said another person, while another added: “OMG! Don’t encourage her! It was embarrassing the first time.”
“This made me so angry. You know how many GREAT breakdancing champions there are in Australia,” another person said.
Australian breakdancer Raygun has become an overnight sensation after her performance in Paris during the 2024 Olympics on Friday went viral. On Saturday, she was dubbed “the queen of Australia” in a new viral video shared by comedians The Inspired Unemployed (pictured)
“They take it very seriously, they are so talented and it’s amazing to watch them. How did they choose this woman to represent us and not other experts?” they added.
“Worst Australian Olympian of all time. I wouldn’t describe her as an icon,” added another.
Others defended the dancer, with one person saying: “All these embarrassed and offended people have done what for the country?”
At least Raygun has brought joy to many. Trying and having fun in the process is the definition of the Australian spirit, I think, they added.
“She’s an icon. Leave her alone! She represented our country! And everyone is talking about her! Enjoy the ride kids!” someone else said.
Not everyone was impressed, however, with several comments below the video sharing harsh opinions about the athlete, while others defended her.
Another added: “This woman has more talent in her pinky finger than half the commentators. Never stop dancing!”
Raygun competed in three qualifying rounds on Friday, and the Australian ultimately failed to score points against any of her three rivals.
She is, however, Australia’s most prominent breakdancer and a creative arts researcher specialising in “the cultural politics of breakdancing” at Macquarie University in Sydney.
Shortly after her performance on the world stage, she broke her silence by sharing a cryptic message on Instagram.
Posting a message from the ‘Breaking for Gold’ account, she quoted herself as saying: ‘Don’t be afraid to be different. Go out and present yourself, you never know where that will take you.’
While many mocked Raygun’s “embarrassing” performance, she also gained many new fans who praised her for her determination in competing against athletes more than half her age.
“I could live my whole life and never come up with something as funny as Raygun, the 36-year-old Australian Olympic breakdancer,” one X-user wrote alongside a clip of the Olympian.
Raygun competed in three qualifying rounds on Friday and the Australian ultimately scored no points against any of her three rivals.
She is, however, Australia’s most prominent breakdancer and a creative arts researcher specialising in “the cultural politics of breakdancing” at Macquarie University in Sydney.
“I’ve never seen breaking before, but I can already tell that Raygun has no chance at this event,” another added.
“Raygun breaking looks like I’m 5 years old and I’m like ‘look what I can do,'” a third joked.
Others praised the Australian for her confidence and courage.
“Kudos to Raygun for having the courage to come out,” suggested one user. “But this was the biggest shame I’ve ever felt in my life.”
“Raygun from Australia is actually my Olympic hero,” added another.
Meanwhile, a sixth user wrote: “Raygun I’m sure you’re a sweet lady but man,” with a laughing-crying emoji.
