Breakdancer Raygun Opens Up About Viral Olympics Dance and the Impact of Backlash
In a candid sit-down interview, Australian Olympian Rachael “Raygun” Gun recently addressed the whirlwind surrounding her viral breakdance routine from the 2024 Paris Olympics. Raygun, a 36-year-old seasoned performer, has captured global attention—though not necessarily for reasons she anticipated.
Raygun confessed that she has not yet watched her entire performance from the Olympics. Despite her routine going viral, she admitted to only having seen snippets of it. “I have seen little bits and pieces, but yeah, I will watch it eventually,” she shared during her appearance on Australia’s Network 10’s “The Project.” This hesitation, she explained, stems from a general reluctance to review her past performances, a habit she’s maintained throughout her career.
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Her routine at the Paris Games sparked intense reactions, particularly on social media. The backlash was severe, with many questioning her place in the competition after she failed to score any points for Australia. One of her moves, a kangaroo-inspired hop, became a focal point of criticism, with viewers dubbing it the “kangaroo paw.” Memes and parodies quickly spread across various platforms, including a skit on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” which Raygun admitted she’s not ready to watch. “I don’t know whether to hug him or yell at him,” she said about Fallon’s sketch, indicating the emotional turmoil the situation has caused her.
Despite the harsh criticism, Raygun took to Instagram in mid-August to address the backlash, emphasizing that she approached the Olympics with both seriousness and dedication. “While I went out there and I had fun, I did take it very seriously,” she said. Raygun revealed that she worked tirelessly in preparation for the Games and gave it her all, a sentiment she reiterated during her interview on “The Project.” However, she also acknowledged the emotional toll the negativity has taken on her, describing the experience as surreal and likening it to a bizarre dream she’s yet to wake up from.
Raygun’s journey to the Olympics was not without its challenges. She was well aware that the odds were stacked against her, acknowledging that she didn’t expect to win. Still, she defended her unique approach to breakdancing, which ultimately set her apart—though not always in a favorable light. “I had to go with what I was good at. I had to go with my strengths,” she explained, adding that this strategy simply wasn’t enough to secure a victory on the world stage.
The controversy surrounding Raygun’s performance became so intense that Australia’s breaking organization, AUSBreak, publicly supported her, confirming that her selection for the Olympics was the result of a “fair and transparent” process. Despite the criticism, Raygun expressed her regret for any negativity the community has experienced because of her performance. In the interview, she disclosed her decision to take a break from competitive breaking, opting instead to focus on the positive responses and the joy she has brought to her supporters.
Ultimately, Raygun’s Olympic experience serves as a reminder of the pressures athletes face on the global stage. While her performance may not have met the expectations of many, her story is a testament to resilience and the courage to pursue one’s passion, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
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