Raygun glow up: Aussie breakdancer showcases a very different complexion as she touches down in the country following her viral Olympics disaster that has made her a global superstar
Australian breakdancer Rachel Gunn appears to have had a makeover after becoming an overnight sensation during the first women’s competition at the Paris Olympics.
The 37-year-old, known as Raygun, returned to Australia on Monday in high spirits and looking very different.
The dancer showed off her sun-kissed skin and wrinkle-free complexion.
Raygun looked decidedly cheerful as she walked through the terminal, dressed in baggy jeans and a faded turquoise T-shirt.
Her brown hair was straight and tied in a messy bun, and she wore tortoiseshell sunglasses on her head.
This look was a far cry from her Olympic breakdancing debut, where she wore the Australian team kit and a pair of white New Balance sneakers.
Her hair was then wavy and styled in a short bob under her green and gold cap.
The combative breakdancer 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 had a makeover after becoming an overnight sensation in the first women’s competition at the Paris Olympics
The look was worlds away from her Olympic breakdancing debut, where she wore the Australian team uniform and a pair of white New Balance sneakers
Her unique moves, including kangaroo jumping and floor sliding, did not serve her well during the competition and earned her a lot of ridicule, after which she became a worldwide sensation.
Last week, Raygun gave her first TV interview about the viral moment. On Wednesday, she was a guest on The Project, where she discussed the ordeal with host Waleed Aly.
During the revealing interview, Raygun doubled down on her viral routine — blaming a “lack of resources” — before revealing that she plans to take a step back in a shocking career move.
She also admitted that she hasn’t even seen her now infamous performance and slammed her critics, who she said passionately insisted they don’t “get” breakdancing.
After being accused of ‘mocking’ breakdancing, Raygun hit out at her critics, claiming they failed to understand her ‘artistic’ style and calling for more funding for the sport Down Under.
“Unfortunately in Australia we just need a bit more resources to have a chance of beating world champions,” she said.
The Australian breakdancer became a global sensation after her unique dance moves took the world by storm. Pictured mimicking her kangaroo pose with Boy George and husband Samuel
“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 viewed all over the world, Raygun admitted that she didn’t watch it because of the negative reactions.
“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.”
Raygun has since been spotted having a ball with billionaire and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson on holiday
It doesn’t look like Raygun will be back in the spotlight after the Paris Olympics, if one of her recent high-profile companions is anything to go by.
On Saturday morning Australian time, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson showed off some dance moves alongside the controversial artist during a Virgin Voyages Celebration Voyage in the Mediterranean.
Video footage shows Raygun being welcomed onto the stage to loud cheers and telling what she likes most about breakdancing.
“It’s all about relaxing, having fun and being yourself. I love that,” Raygun said.
Next, the B-girl takes to the dance floor, where Branson joins her and performs the infamous kangaroo jump.
“Oh Richard, it’s been three weeks already, come on,” Raygun said, laughing.
Gunn spoke to the media for the first time this month in a revealing television interview on The Project
Then she gets the audience to join in a group dance. She stands at the head of the pool and encourages everyone to join in. It looks like an aqua aerobics class.
‘That’s it, show it – show some attitude!’
Branson appears next to Raygun, grabs her hand and pulls her into the pool.
The couple wades through the shallow edge and then jumps hand in hand into the deeper water.
Raygun also spoke to iconic British singer Boy George on the Scarlet Lady cruise, after Branson invited her to celebrate her creativity and individuality.
She recently danced with Sir Richard Branson, who imitated her kangaroo move