Breaking boundaries and making headlines, Australian breaker Rachael Gunn, known as “Raygun”, found herself in the spotlight after her polarizing performance at the Olympics in Paris. The 37-year-old university lecturer from Sydney took the sport of breaking by surprise with an unconventional routine that left experts and casual viewers alike bewildered.
As breaking made its debut at the Olympics, Gunn’s performance became a topic of heated discussion, with some questioning the judging process and her qualification. In a rare public appearance on Australia’s Channel 10, Gunn shared her experience of being chased by cameras through the streets of Paris and how she coped with the overwhelming public reaction.
“It was really wild,” Gunn said, reflecting on the aftermath of her performance. “The chase through Paris put me in a state of panic, and I was nervous to be out in public for a while. The energy and vitriol from critics were alarming, but I am thankful for the support I received from others in the sport.”
Gunn defended her performance, acknowledging the criticisms but standing by her hard work and dedication to the sport. She addressed the controversy surrounding her qualification process, emphasizing that she earned her spot through legitimate means.
Despite facing mockery and ridicule online and on television, including a sketch on Jimmy Fallon’s show, Gunn remains resilient and focused on her mental well-being. With the help of therapy, she navigates the ups and downs of post-Olympic fame, finding solace in the positive connections she has made through her performance.
