Breakdancer Raygun dubbed ‘Queen of Australia’ in new viral video after performance at Olympics – but not everyone agrees: ‘Made a mockery of the sport’

Australian breakdancer Raygun has become an overnight sensation after her performance in Paris at the 2024 Olympics on Friday went viral. 

The 36-year-old, whose real name is Rachael Gunn, garnered attention after awkwardly squirming on the dance floor, displaying a much lower skill level than many of her competitors. 

On Saturday, she was dubbed ‘the Queen of Australia’ in a new viral video shared to Facebook by comedians The Inspired Unemployed.

In the clip, she danced down the street with the duo, showing off the skills that made her famous. 

However, not everyone was impressed, with several comments below the video sharing harsh opinions on the athlete. 

‘Pathetic! She made a mockery of the sport and took the opportunity away from a real Aussie breakdancer’ wrote one person. 

‘This is what happens when you give participation awards…’ said another person while one more added, ‘Omg! Don’t encourage her! It was embarrassing the 1st time’.

‘This made me so angry. You know how many EXCELLENT breakdance champions there are in Australia’ someone else said. 

‘They treat it seriously and are effing talented and amazing to watch. How did this woman get selected to represent us over other experts??’ they added. 

‘Worst Australian Olympian ever, I wouldn’t describe her as iconic’ one more chimed in.  

Others defended the dancer, with one person saying: ‘All these embarrassed and offended people have done what for the country? 

At least Raygun has brought joy to many. Having a go and having a fun time in the process is the definition of Australian spirit I reckon’ they added. 

‘She is an icon! Leave her alone! She represented our Country! And everyone is talking about her! Enjoy the ride kids!’ someone else said. 

However, not everyone was impressed, with several comments below the video sharing harsh opinions on the athlete, while others defended her

Yet another added: ‘This woman has more talent in her little finger than half the commentators. Don’t ever stop dancing!!!!’

Raygun competed in three qualifying rounds on Friday, and the Australian ultimately scored no points against any of her three rivals.

She is, however, Australia’s top-ranking breakdancer and a creative arts researcher specializing in ‘the cultural politics of breakdancing’ at Sydney’s Macquarie University. 

Shortly after her performance on the world stage, she broke her silence by sharing a cryptic message on Instagram.

Reposting a message from the ‘Breaking for Gold’ account, she quoted herself saying: ‘Don’t be afraid to be different. Go out there and represent yourself, you never know where that’s gonna take you.’ 

While many mocked Raygun’s ’embarrassing’ performance, she also earned plenty of new fans who praised her for her determination in competing against athletes more than half her age.

‘I could live all my life and never come up with anything as funny as Raygun, the 36-year-old Australian Olympic breakdancer,’ one user wrote on X alongside a clip of the Olympian. 

Raygun competed in three qualifying rounds on Friday, and the Australian ultimately scored no points against any of her three rivals 

She is, however, Australia’s top-ranking breakdancer and a creative arts researcher specializing in ‘the cultural politics of breakdancing’ at Sydney’s Macquarie University

‘Never watched breaking before but I can already tell Raygun doesn’t have a chance in this event,’ another added. 

‘Raygun breaking looks like 5 year old me going up to my mom like ‘look what I can do’,’ a third quipped. 

Others commended the Aussie for her confidence and courage. 

‘Props to Raygun for having the guts to go out there,’ one user suggested. ‘But this was the most second hand embarrassment I’ve ever felt.’ 

‘Raygun from Australia is my Olympic hero actually,’ another added. 

Meanwhile, a sixth user wrote: ‘Raygun, I’m sure you’re a sweet lady, but man,’ with a laughing and crying emoji.