Australian breakdancer Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn is much loved across the pond, the country’s leader claims
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that Australia, alongside icons like Steve Irwin, had “given the world” Raygun.
Mr Luxon made the comments during his 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, in which she added kangaroo jumps, snake slides and even the ‘sprinkler’ move to her routine.
“We love her in New Zealand,” Mr Luxon said.
“We think she’s great… so keep up the good work.”
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 President Anna Meares said Raygun embodies the Australian ‘worth a try’ mentality.
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, was hit with a barrage of abuse online after her Olympic performance, which saw her receive zero points from the judges.
Raygun first responded to the online attack on Thursday in a video posted to Instagram.
“First of all I want to thank all the people who supported me,” she 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 this would also open the door to so much hate, which has honestly been quite devastating.”
She said the insults she has endured since her performance have left her depressed.
“Even though I went there and had fun, I took it very seriously. I worked really hard to prepare for the Olympics and I gave it my all. I really did,” she continued.
‘I’m going to Europe for a few weeks for some planned rest, but I would like to urge the press to please stop harassing my family, my friends, the Australian breaking community and the wider street dance community.
‘Everyone has been through a lot because of this, so I ask that you respect their privacy.’
Raygun responded to the criticism on Thursday and thanked those who had stood behind her
The Macquarie University lecturer, who has a PhD in her sport, incorporated kangaroo jumping, snake sliding and even the iconic ‘sprinkler’ move into her act
Adele her concert in Munich was cancelled to praise Raygun for delivering “the best the Olympics has ever seen” on August 10.
Others, including Fallon and American rapper Snoop Dogg, also participated in the spot.
Snoop Dogg shared a clip comparing Raygun writhing on the ground to a cat making a similar motion. He said, “Y’all not okay,” adding three laughing emojis.
Fallon said on The Tonight Show, “You wonder where Raygun is now,” at which point comedian Rachel Dratch took the stage dressed in Raygun’s Olympic uniform.
British superstar Adele interrupted 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 mocked her performance alongside comedienne Rachel Dratch
Meanwhile, Dancing with the Stars bosses are desperate to secure Raygun for the upcoming season, with insiders saying producers are willing to make a big offer.
“Dancing with the Stars is a show where people can redeem themselves and this could be the perfect way for Rachael to no longer be the butt of ridicule,” a source told Daily Mail Australia.
‘Dancing is making an offer.’
Raygun lost all three of her round-robin bouts by a combined score of 54-0.
According to experts, the Macquarie University lecturer, who has a doctorate in her sport, could earn millions thanks to her Olympic success.
Marketing and public relations expert Max Markson said some of the world’s largest international companies are keen to capitalise on her fame.
“She has a huge brand,” he said.