Controversial Olympian Rachael Gunn has publicly apologized to the breakdancing community for the backlash she received following her performance during the Paris Olympics.
Gunn, whose stage name is Raygun, became an overnight sensation with her unique breakdancing performance during the inaugural women’s competition at the Olympics last month.
The 37-year-old will discuss the viral moment that catapulted her to international infamy and more on Channel 10’s panel show The Project on Wednesday night.
A preview clip from the upcoming episode shows host Waleed Aly asking the athlete: “Do you really think you’re Australia’s best female breakdancer?”
Rachael hesitates and pauses before answering, “Well, I think my track record speaks to that.”
Another clip, posted Wednesday morning, shows Gunn apologizing to the breaking community for the criticism he has received.
“It’s really sad to hear such criticism,” he says.
“I’m very sorry for the reaction the community has experienced, but I can’t control how people react.”
Rachael Gunn (pictured) says she is deeply sorry for the backlash the breaking community has received following her performance.
Gunn also goes on to detail what it was like to be catapulted into international stardom and have television cameras chasing her.
“It was really wild,” she says.
“If they chase me, what do I do? But that really put me in a state of panic.”
A source close to the television world said fans could expect to see the academic on at least one top-tier reality show next year.
“The future of one of the world’s most talked-about Australians, Raygun, is currently in talks with multiple television deals,” the source told Yahoo Lifestyle.
According to the source, the networks do not want to “share” Gunn.
“They are seeking exclusivity deals with networks that could last between 12 and 24 months, blocking other competitive programming opportunities,” they explained.
Describing Gunn as one of the “most sought-after names” in Australia right now, another source said competing networks could end up casting Gunn in a “celebrity” reality show like SAS Australia or Dancing with the Stars.
Gunn says having TV cameras chasing her put her in a state of panic
Gunn, known by the stage name Raygun, became an overnight sensation with her unique breakdancing performance during the inaugural women’s competition at the Paris Olympics.
They added: “Several talent agents have been following the viral superstar ever since her memorable dance at the Paris Olympics went viral. The exact direction she will take will be revealed any day now and the network she signs with will be very telling.”
This comes after reports emerged earlier this month that Dancing with the Stars bosses were desperate to sign Gunn for the upcoming season.
Raygun made headlines and became a global meme at the Olympics due to his routine that included kangaroo jumps and rolling on the ground like a snake, along with his decision to wear the Australian tracksuit during his battles.
Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, a source close to the event revealed that they are keen to offer the athlete the chance to capitalise on her Olympic disaster and revamp her image to stop being the “ridiculous feat”.
They added that they believe Rachael is a “good fit” and that they would “love to talk” to her.
‘Dancing with the Stars’ has had its share of amazing dancers, horrible dancers, and just plain pop culture over the years and Raygun is now one of its targets for the upcoming season.
Gunn appears to be headed toward a career in television, with all three commercial networks reportedly seeking to sign her to a deal.
‘They are always attentive to people until the last minute and always want to be aware of what people are talking about.
‘That’s why they always go after housewives, people from The Bachelor franchise, political names and, this year, Olympic athletes and the girl Hawk Tuah.
“If they think someone could provide the qualifications, they will consider it.”
The source added: ‘People are extending their fifteen minutes on Dancing with the Stars, and when it comes to Raygun, producers would love to talk to her and see if she would be a good fit for next season.
‘Dancing with the Stars loves to be the show where people redeem themselves and this could be the perfect way for Rachael to stop being a laughing stock.
‘The dance is going to make an offer.’
The exciting Dancing with the Stars development comes after a marketing expert predicted that Raygun is set to make millions thanks to her newfound fame.