Aussie breaker Raygun embraced as cult hero by Olympic team
Rachael "Raygun" Gunn has become the cult hero of the Australian Olympic team.
While the breakdancer did not score a single point for her unconventional routines, with her performance garnering billions of views and being mocked online through endless memes, she was the star within the Aussie team.
The social media feeds of the nation's Olympic stars have offered a rare glimpse into the athletes celebration of the 2024 Paris Games well before the closing ceremony on Monday.
Raygun was seen breakdancing in a circle as the team surrounded her and cheered her every move.
Angus Widdicombe, member of the Aussie men’s eight rowing team, then put her on top of his shoulders through a guard of honour of the athletes.
Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn was Australia’s female representative in breakdancing’s Olympic debut.
While she failed to score a point in her three-round robin matches, her performance that included a kangaroo hop and sprinkler, immediately went viral and has made headlines around the world, with many trolling her.
Australian Olympic Chief de Mission Anna Meares said that the online trolling directed at the dancer was misogynistic, as she had to break into a male-dominated sport.
“Raygun is an absolutely loved member of this Olympic team," she said.
“She has represented the Olympic team, the Olympic spirit, with great enthusiasm. And I absolutely love her courage. I love her character and I feel very disappointed for her, that she has come under the attack that she has.”
“In 2008, she was locked in a room crying, being involved in a male-dominated sport as the only woman,” Meares continued.
“And it took great courage for her to continue on and fight for her opportunity to participate in a sport that she loved.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also backed her performance on Sunday saying: “Good on her and a big shout-out to her."
"That is in the Australian tradition of people having a go. She’s had a go representing our country and that’s a good thing,” he said.
“The Olympics is about people participating in sport,” the Prime Minister said.
“That’s a good thing and Raygun had a crack. Whether (athletes have) won gold medals or just done their best, that is all we ask for. It’s the participating that is really important.”
Images: Instagram