Australian breakdancer Rachel Gunn appears to have improved after becoming an overnight sensation during the inaugural women’s competition at the Paris Olympics.
The 37-year-old, who goes by the name Raygun, returned home to Australia on Monday in high spirits and looking much different.
The dancer showed off her sun-kissed skin and wrinkle-free complexion.
Dressed in baggy jeans and a faded turquoise T-shirt, Raygun looked decidedly cheerful as she strolled through the terminal.
Her brown hair was straightened and tied into a messy bun while tortoiseshell sunglasses rested atop her head.
Her look was a far cry from her Olympic breakdancing debut, where she sported the Australian team uniform and a pair of white New Balance sneakers.
At the time, her hair was wavy and styled in a short bob under her green and gold cap.
The break dancer instantly became a meme for her routine at the Olympics, which became the most talked-about moment of the event.
Australian breakdancer Rachel Gunn (pictured) appears to have improved after becoming an overnight sensation during the inaugural women’s competition at the Paris Olympics.
Her look was a far cry from her Olympic breakdancing debut, where she sported the Australian team uniform and a pair of white New Balance sneakers.
Her unique moves, which included kangaroo hops and floor slides, did not serve her well in competition and she faced an onslaught of ridicule as she became a global sensation.
Last week, Raygun gave her first television interview about the viral moment, appearing on The Project on Wednesday to discuss the ordeal with host Waleed Aly.
During the revealing interview, Raygun doubled down on her viral routine, blaming it on a “lack of resources,” before revealing she plans to quit competing in a shocking move for her career.
He also admitted that he hadn’t even seen his now infamous performance and lashed out at his critics by passionately insisting that they don’t “get” breakdancing.
Following accusations that he mocked breakdancing, Raygun has hit out at his critics, claiming they do not understand his “artistic” style and called for more resources to be allocated to the sport in Australia.
“Unfortunately, we just need more resources in Australia to have a chance of beating the world champions,” he shared.
The Australian breakdancer became a global sensation after her unique dance moves took the world by storm. Pictured here, she recreates her kangaroo pose with Boy George and her husband Samuel.
‘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 her performance has been widely viewed around the world, Raygun admitted that she has not watched it due to the negative reaction.
“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.”
Raygun has since been spotted hanging out with billionaire Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson on holiday.
Raygun’s time in the spotlight following the Paris Olympics shows no signs of slowing down, if one of his recent high-profile teammates is any guide.
On Saturday morning Australian time, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson danced alongside the controversial artist as they sailed on a Virgin Voyages celebratory trip around the Mediterranean.
Video footage shows Raygun being welcomed on stage to loud applause and talking about what she loves most about breakdancing.
“It’s about relaxing, having fun and being yourself, and I love that,” Raygun said.
The B-girl then heads to the dance floor before Branson joins her, performing the infamous kangaroo hop move.
—Oh, Richard, that was three weeks ago, come on, Raygun said, laughing.
Gunn spoke to the media for the first time in a television interview on The Project this month.
She then engages the crowd in a group dance, standing at the head of the pool and encouraging everyone to follow her, reminiscent of a water aerobics class.
‘That’s it, get it out! Get some attitude!’
Then Branson appears next to Raygun, takes her hand and leads her into the pool with him.
The couple walk across the shallow edge before jumping into the deeper water while holding hands.
Raygun also spoke to iconic British singer Boy George on the Scarlet Lady cruise ship after Branson invited her along to celebrate her creativity and individuality.
She recently danced with Sir Richard Branson, who imitated her kangaroo move.
