Rachael Gunn, also known as Raygun, is speaking out following the Paris Olympics controversy, and she is doing so with a new makeover!
Glammed up for Stellar Magazine, Raygun is featured on the cover. The Australian breakdancer shared a “sneak peek” of the shoot, which, according to Page Six, will be released in full on Sunday.
Gunn, who typically sports a casual look, is seen in a blue gown and strappy sandals. She also wore a long braided ponytail and red lipstick.
“You did not bring me down. You did not succeed. I will stand by what I did,” the cover states.
Raygun has experienced a darker side of internet fame: going viral for the wrong reasons. Now, memes and even Halloween costumes inspired by her uniform reference the unusual performance she delivered at the Olympics, and she has become an internet reference.
Someone dressed their dog as Raygun for the Halloween Dog Parade 😭 pic.twitter.com/CDYI6XkvWD
— Belén (@beluarag) October 19, 2024
Raygun Controversy Explained
If there was one sport that stirred up debate at Paris 2024, it was breakdancing, all thanks to Australian breaker Rachael Gunn.
Her unique and unconventional routine, which included kangaroo-like jumps, awkward stretches, and some rather unusual moves, earned her a score of zero, making her the target of widespread criticism and memes. Her routine sparked a heated discussion across the internet about the legitimacy of breakdancing as an Olympic sport. Many questioned whether breakdancing belonged on such a prestigious stage.
Gunn, however, took it all in stride. She later revealed that she never expected to win but was determined to showcase her own style, encouraging others not to be afraid of being different. “You never know how far you can go by being yourself,” she said, standing firm in her belief.
Gunn isn’t new to the breaking scene. At 36, the Hornsby native from Sydney has not only made a name for herself in the dance world but also in academia.
She’s a professor at Macquarie University in Australia, where she leads the Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Literature, and Language. Gunn also holds a doctorate in cultural studies. Now: will she overcome her ‘meme’ status? Only time will tell.
