Controversial breakdancer Raygun divides the nation with bombshell TV interview about THAT Olympic routine as the telling moment that exposes her ‘nervous’ demeanour in revealed
Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn has divided the country with her shocking TV interview about her disastrous performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 36-year-old Australian breakdancer became an overnight internet phenomenon after her wild dance moves during the sporting event became the most talked about moment of the event.
She was widely ridiculed online and attracted the attention of world stars for her unique dance routine, which involved kangaroo hops and snake rolls on the ground.
The athlete has now broken her silence on the ordeal in a shocking TV interview, where she was questioned by Waleed Aly on The Project on Wednesday.
In the revealing chat session, Raygun criticised her critics for not ‘getting’ breakdancing and discussed the huge backlash, but the Australian public is completely divided over it.
Some praised her for her comments, but others seemed unimpressed, calling the interview a “car crash” and insisting it was a “bad PR move.”
Some viewers even pointed out one moment in the interview that showed her “nervous” behavior, although many couldn’t agree on the reason for it.
One viewer criticized her TV appearance, writing on X — formerly known as Twitter: “This #Raygun interview… is not it.”
Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn has divided the nation with her shocking TV interview about her disastrous performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics
“Raygun has two choices after that car crash interview. Leave Australia or leave planet Earth. Anything less is going to be very hard 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 what breaking is? The sense of entitlement goes beyond that.’
Others defended Raygun and criticized critics for repeating her statements at all times, despite all the negative reactions. They felt that she came across well in the extended conversation.
“Rachel seems pretty cool. Yes, the performance was unique, maybe a little cringe, but why all the name calling? We take winning too seriously,” someone tweeted.
Another said: ‘According to critics of the bank, Raygun’s Olympic breakdancing left a lot to be desired, but in the #theprojecttv interview she comes across exceptionally well.’
And a third responded enthusiastically: ‘I love Raygun. Without irony and without shame.’
Some viewers at home also claimed they had found the one 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.
They wrote the following about the moment she put her hand to her ear: ‘Have you noticed #Raygun’s nervous body language associated with cheating and telling Porkies?
The 36-year-old Australian breakdancer became an overnight internet sensation after her unique dance moves during the sporting event became the most talked about moment of the event
Raygun has now slammed its critics for not ‘understanding’ breakdancing and discusses the huge backlash, but it has left Australian viewers completely divided as some were left unimpressed
Others came to Raygun’s defense as they slammed critics who continued to criticize her amid the backlash, insisting she came across well in the wide-ranging TV interview.
‘#WaleedAly touched a nerve, which now puts her in front of the nation.’
However, another fan strongly disagreed: ‘It looked like she was adjusting the cable of her in-ear monitor.’
During the interview, Raygun further defended her popular Olympic routine by citing a “lack of resources,” before revealing that she plans to take a step back, a shocking career move.
In response to the negative reactions, she also lashed out at her critics, claiming that they did not understand her “artistic” style.
“Unfortunately in Australia we just need a bit more resources to have a chance of beating world champions,” she said.
“You know, historically we don’t have the best track record of winning world championships, unfortunately, so I don’t think it’s just me.”
“A lot of the reactions, though, come from people not being as familiar with breaking and the diversity of approaches that come with it,” she continued.
‘It was so fantastic that the next day the chairman of the jury, MG, came forward and explained that what I did in the break community was actually not that shocking.
“You know, it’s just a different approach to breaking. You have the athletic style breakers and you also have the more artistic style breakers and they’re all very valid.”
Although her performance was watched around the world, Raygun admitted that she has not rewatched her now infamous performance.
“I haven’t watched it back, no. That’s not unusual for me, you know. I’m not very good at watching my fights back,” she shared.
“It’s going to take a while. I think I’ve seen some bits and pieces, but yeah, I’ll watch it eventually.”
Despite rumors that she would have to turn down TV offers after signing with an influencer talent agency, Raygun said she has no plans to return to performing anytime soon and wants to take a step back from the spotlight.
“I don’t think I’ll be competing for a while. I don’t really want to be in the spotlight, breaking, competing. But I… You know, it’s been fun,” she shared.
Raygun was widely ridiculed online and caught the attention of world stars after her unique routine, which involved kangaroo hops and rolling across the floor
“It was a bit of a process trying to get back into dancing. It was actually quite tough. You know, it was my medicine, and then it became my source of stress!
“So I’m really happy that it can be my medicine again. I can finally feel a little bit free again, so yeah, I’m looking forward to breaking, but no, I don’t think I’ll be competing for a while.”
Raygun admitted that it wasn’t an easy time for her and also revealed that she relied on mental health services and removed herself from social media following the criticism.
However, she also indicated that her fame also has positive aspects, such as the messages she receives from “random people” who otherwise would never have known her.
Raygun has not yet returned to Australia after the Olympics and is currently on a planned European holiday with her husband, Samuel Free, who has just retired from coaching.