Australian breakdancer Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn is much loved across the divide, the country’s leader has claimed
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that among icons like Steve Irwin, Australia had “gifted the world” Raygun.
Mr Luxon made the comments while delivering a foreign policy speech at the Lowy Institute in Sydney on Friday.
Raygun, 36, made headlines and was widely ridiculed for her bizarre performance at the Paris Olympics, where she incorporated kangaroo hops, snake slides and even the “sprinkler” move into her routine.
“We love her in New Zealand,” Luxon said.
We think she’s amazing… so we keep going.
Raygun’s performance even caught the attention of American talk show host Jimmy Fallon and English singer Adele.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Australian Olympic chief Anna Meares said Raygun embodied Australia’s “go for it” spirit.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Kiwis loved Raygun’s performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics
Dr Rachael Gunn, 36, who performs as Raygun, received a mountain of abuse online after her Olympic performance, where she scored no points from the judges.
Raygun responded to the online attack for the first time in a video posted to Instagram on Thursday.
“I just want to start by thanking all the people who have supported me,” he said.
‘I really appreciate the positivity and I’m glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives, that’s what I was hoping for.
“I didn’t realize that would also open the door to so much hate, which, frankly, has been pretty devastating.”
She went on to say that the abuse she has suffered since acting has left her devastated.
“I went out and had fun, but I took it very seriously. I worked really hard preparing for the Olympics and I gave it my all. I really did,” she continued.
‘I’ll be in Europe for a few weeks, for some pre-planned downtime, but I’d really like to ask the press to stop harassing my family, my friends, the Australian breakdance community and the street dance community in general.
“We have all been through a lot as a result of this, so I ask that you respect their privacy.”
Raygun responded to the criticism on Thursday, thanking those who had supported her.
The Macquarie University professor, who has a PhD in her sport, incorporated kangaroo hops, snake slides and even the iconic “sprinkler” move into her act.
Adele canceled his concert in Munich to congratulate Raygun for providing “the best thing that has ever happened at the Olympics” on August 10.
Others, including Fallon and American rapper Snoop Dogg, joined in the mockery.
Sharing a clip comparing Raygun writhing on the ground to a cat performing a similar move, Snoop Dogg said: “Y’all ain’t cool” with three laughing emojis.
Fallon on The Tonight Show said, “You wonder where Raygun is right now,” at which point comedian Rachel Dratch appeared on stage dressed in Raygun’s Olympic uniform.
British music superstar Adele stopped her concert in Munich to thank Raygun for delivering “the best thing that’s ever happened at the Olympics” on August 10.
American talk show host Jimmy Fallon has mocked his performance alongside comedian Rachel Dratch
Meanwhile, Dancing with the Stars bosses are desperate to book Raygun for next season, with sources close to the show claiming producers are prepared to make a big-money offer.
“Dancing with the Stars loves being the show where people redeem themselves and this could be the perfect way for Rachael to stop being a laughing stock,” a source told Daily Mail Australia.
‘The dance is going to make an offer.’
Raygun lost all three of his round-robin battles by a combined score of 54-0.
Experts also say the Macquarie University professor, who has a PhD in her sport, is set to make millions from her Olympic push.
Marketing and PR expert Max Markson said some of the world’s biggest international companies will be eager to cash in on his high profile.
“He has a huge brand,” he said.