Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn has divided the nation with her explosive TV interview about her disastrous performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The 36-year-old Australian breakdancer became an overnight internet sensation after her wild dance moves at the sporting spectacular became the most talked-about moment of the event.
She was the subject of an avalanche of online ridicule and attracted the attention of global stars for her unique routine, which included kangaroo jumps and rolling on the floor like a snake.
The athlete has now broken her silence on the ordeal in a shocking television interview, a world first, in which she was questioned by Waleed Aly on The Project on Wednesday.
In the revealing chat, Raygun slammed his critics for not “getting” breakdancing and spoke about the huge backlash, but left Australian viewers completely divided.
While some praised her for speaking out, others seemed unimpressed, calling the interview a “car accident” and insisting it was a “bad PR move.”
Some viewers even pointed out the moment in the interview that demonstrated his “nervous” behavior, although many could not agree on the reason why.
Criticizing his TV appearance, one viewer wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “This #Raygun interview… isn’t it?”
Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn has divided the nation with her explosive TV interview about her disastrous performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics
“Raygun has two options after that car accident interview: leave Australia or leave planet Earth. Any other option will be very difficult for her,” wrote another.
A third said: “This #Raygun interview… isn’t it?” while a fourth added: “Is this girl really insulting our intelligence by saying we just don’t understand breaking? The sense of entitlement is misplaced.”
Others jumped to Raygun’s defense and attacked those who criticized her for continuing to insist that she had come out on top in the wide-ranging discussion.
“Rachel seems pretty cool. Yes the performance was unique, maybe a little embarrassing but why all the insults? We take wins too seriously,” one tweeted.
Another said: ‘As an armchair critic, Raygun’s Olympic breakdancing left a lot to be desired, but he came across very well in the #theprojecttv interview.’
And a third gushed: “I love Raygun. Unarmed and shameless.”
Some viewers at home also claimed to have come across the moment when Raygun was “nervous” about the revealing interview.
Raygun appeared uncomfortable when Waleed confronted her about hip-hop star Spice’s claims that her performance was a “mockery” of the Australian scene.
Commenting on her bringing her hand to her ear, they wrote: ‘Did you notice #Raygun’s nervous body language that is associated with being deceitful and telling lies?
The 36-year-old Australian breakdancer became an overnight internet sensation after her unique dance moves at the sporting spectacle became the most talked-about moment of the event.
Raygun has now hit out at his critics for not “getting” breakdancing and has spoken out about the huge backlash, but has left Australian viewers completely divided as some were left unimpressed.
Others came to Raygun’s defence and attacked critics for continuing to lash out at her amid the backlash, insisting she had come across well in the wide-ranging TV interview.
‘#WaleedAly managed to touch her sensitive spot, which has now exposed her in front of the entire nation.’
However, another fan disagreed, arguing: “It looked like he was adjusting the cable on the in-ear monitor.”
During the interview, Raygun doubled down on her defense of her viral Olympic routine, blaming a “lack of resources,” before revealing she plans to stop competing in a shocking move for her career.
Addressing the backlash, she also slammed her critics, stating that they don’t understand her “artistic” style.
“Unfortunately, we just need more resources in Australia to have a chance of beating the world champions,” he shared.
‘You know, historically, unfortunately, we haven’t had the best record of winning World Championships, so, you know, I don’t think it’s just my fault.’
“However, a lot of the responses are simply due to people not being very familiar with breaking and the diversity of approaches to it,” he continued.
‘It was so fantastic that the next day the president of the jury, MG, came out and explained that in the breaking community what I did was actually not very shocking.
“You know, it’s just a different approach to breaking. You have athletic style breakers and you also have more artistic style breakers and all of them are very valid.”
Although his performance has been widely viewed around the world, Raygun admitted that he has not rewatched his now infamous performance.
“I haven’t watched it again, no. It’s not unusual for me though. I’m not very good at rewatching my battles,” she shared.
“It’s still going to take some time. I think I’ve seen little bits and pieces, but yeah, I’ll see it one day.”
Despite reports that she may be turning down television offers after signing with an influential talent agency, Raygun said she has no plans to compete again anytime soon and wants to stay away from the spotlight.
“I don’t think I’ll be competing for a while. I don’t really want to be the center of attention, breaking, competing. But… You know, it’s been nice,” she shared.
Raygun was the target of an avalanche of online ridicule and attracted the attention of global stars after his unique routine, which included kangaroo jumps and rolling on the floor.
“It’s been quite a process trying to get back into dancing. It’s been really hard. It was my medicine and then it became my source of stress!”
“I’m really happy that it’s my medicine again. I can finally feel free again, so yes, I’m looking forward to getting back to racing, but no, I don’t think I’ll be able to compete for a while.”
Raygun admitted that it hasn’t been an easy time for her and also shared that she has relied on mental health support and has retreated from social media in the wake of criticism.
However, she noted that her fame has also had positive aspects, such as receiving messages from “random people” who would otherwise never have met her.
Raygun has yet to return to Australia following the Olympics and is currently on a pre-planned European holiday with her husband, breaking coach Samuel Free.