Rachael “Raygun” Gunn didn’t take home a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but her bizarre breakdancing performance may never be forgotten.
The Australian breakdancer went viral after she failed to secure a single point in the inaugural breaking competition on Friday.
Gunn busted out all her moves as she spun around on her head, threw her arms in the air like a windmill, rolled around on her shoulders and reached for her toes while lying on her side.
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According to fans, the 36-year-old dancer’s most memorable move might have been her “kangaroo hop,” which saw her jumping like the beloved Australian animal.
Japan’s Ami Yuasa won the gold medal, while Lithuania’s Dominika Banevič and China’s Liu Qingyi took silver and bronze, respectively.
“I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best — their power moves,” Gunn told reporters after the tournament, per Sky News. “What I bring is creativity.”
The Olympian’s performance quickly gained traction on social media as one person compared her choreography to actress Julia Stiles’ moves in the 2001 film “Save the Last Dance.”
“I want Raygun, the 36 year old Australian breakdancer possessed by the spirit of Julia Stiles in Save the Last Dance, to know that I am now her biggest fan and she should never stop doing whatever it is she’s trying to do,” one person wrote on X.
Others refused to believe Gunn’s performance was legit.
“If this Raygun lady turns out to be a comedian who somehow blagged her way through qualifiers and all the way to the Olympics, and was bad on purpose, it will be one of the greatest bits ever achieved,” another person added.
“It’s surprising that Raygun from Australia is the top breaker. The kangaroo move — how did she make it this far?! She should’ve swapped the kangaroo for a banana to really stand out. What is this? Seriously, is breakdancing really an Olympic event?” a third posted.
“I know ‘Wall To Wall’ choreo when I see it,” a fourth quipped, referring to Chris Brown’s 2007 music video.
“My dad once took a day off to watch me miss 48 out of 50 free throws in a state-wide Catholic free throw contest. I feel you, Raygun,” yet another added.
Meanwhile, one fan praised Gunn’s performance, writing, “Obsessed with Raygun because I identify with the level of dorkiness she projects.”
Over the weekend, the college professor reacted to the online commentary about her performance, sharing one of her own quotes on Instagram.
“Don’t be afraid to be different, go out there and represent yourself, you never know where that’s gonna take you,” she posted on her feed.
