Raygun was named “Sports Star of the Year” by one outlet just months before she shot to international fame at the Olympics for her controversial breakdancing routine.
Raechel Gunn, also known as Raygun, became an international viral figure after taking the stage at the Paris Olympics on Saturday with a performance that failed to earn a single point from the judges.
While many Australians, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, supported Gunn for his “go for it” attitude, others were infuriated by his low-scoring and sometimes bizarre performance, which included kangaroo hops.
Many asked about the qualifying process and how Gunn had managed to advance so far despite his skill being noticeably inferior to the other competitors in Paris.
Despite her loss at the Games, Gunn can take solace in knowing that in June, youth publication Pedestrian named her “Sports Star of the Year.”
“Raygun’s finesse at the Olympics, as well as her continued hard work as a B-Girl in Australia, is what earned her the PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION Sports Star of the Year award,” the publication stated.
Ms Gunn promoted breakdancing’s Olympic debut shortly after receiving the award.
“It has the difficulty of gymnastics, the character and performativity of the Nicholas Brothers tap era, the ease of skating, and the responsiveness to your opponent like in a debate,” she told Pedestrian in June.
Raygun was named “Sports Star of the Year” by one outlet just months before she shot to international fame at the Olympics for her controversial breakdancing routine.
Raechel Gunn Receives Pedestrian’s Sports Star of the Year Award
He added that there would be tough competition at the Games and that he had “really focused on preparing as much material as possible”.
“I just want to go out there and do the best I can and show them what we Aussies are made of.”
At the Games, however, Gunn lost all three of his round-robin battles by a combined score of 54-0 and admitted after the event that he could not compete athletically with the tricks and spins of his younger opponents.
“What I wanted to do was come here and do something new, different and creative – that’s my strength, my creativity,” he said.
Back home, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Gunn when asked about criticism of his routine.
“Raygun got a chance, good for her, and a big shout out to her,” he told reporters in Adelaide on Sunday.
“It’s part of the Australian tradition that people are encouraged to try it. She has tried it representing our country, and that’s a good thing.
“Whether they won gold medals or did their best, that’s all we ask. What really matters is participation.”
Meares similarly supported Gunn, condemning comments from “trolls and keyboard warriors.”
“I love her character and I feel very disappointed in her for the attack she has received,” she said.