New Zealand’s Prime Minister reveals what Kiwis really think of Aussie breakdancing icon Raygun following her disastrous Olympics performance

Australian breakdancer Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn is well loved across the ditch, the country’s leader has claimed

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said among icons such as Steve Irwin, Australia had ‘gifted the world’ Raygun.

Mr Luxon made the comments while giving his foreign policy address to the Lowy Institute in Sydney on Friday.

Raygun, 36, made headlines and was widely mocked for her bizarre performance at the Paris Olympics where she incorporated kangaroo hopping, snake slithering and even the ‘sprinkler’ move into her routine.

‘We’re loving her in New Zealand,’ Mr Luxon said.

‘We think she’s awesome … so you keep it going.’

Raygun’s performance even caught the attention of American talk show host Jimmy Fallon and English singer Adele.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Australia’s Olympic chief Anna Meares said that Raygun epitomised the Aussie spirit of ‘having a go’.

Dr Rachael Gunn, 36, who performs as Raygun, copped a mountain of abuse online after her Olympic performance where she scored zero points from judges 

Raygun responded to the online onslaught for the first time in a video posted to Instagram on Thursday.

‘I just wanna start by thanking all the people who have supported me,’ she said.

‘I really appreciate the positivity and I am glad I was able to bring some joy into your lives, that is what I had hoped.

‘I didn’t realise that that would also open the door to so much hate which has frankly been pretty devastating.’

She went on to say the abuse she has copped since the performance left her feeling dejected. 

‘While I went out there and had fun, I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and I gave it my all. Truly,’ she continued.

‘I’m going to be in Europe for a few weeks, for some pre-planned downtime but I would really like to ask the press to please stop harassing my family, my friends, the Australian breaking community and the broader street dance community. 

‘Everyone has been through a lot as a result of this, so I ask you to still respect their privacy.’ 

Raygun responded to the criticism on Thursday, thanking those who had stood behind her

The Macquarie University lecturer, who holds a PhD in her sport, incorporated kangaroo hopping, snake slithering and even the iconic ‘sprinkler’ move into her act

Adele halted her concert in Munich to commend Raygun for providing ‘the best thing that has happened at the Olympics for the entire time’ on August 10. 

Others, including Fallon and US rapper Snoop Dogg, joined in on the mockery.

Sharing a clip comparing Raygun writhing on the floor with a cat performing a similar move, Snoop Dogg said: ‘Y’all ain’t right’ with three laughing emojis. 

Fallon on The Tonight Show said: ‘You have to wonder where Raygun is right now’ at which point comedian Rachel Dratch appeared on stage dressed in Raygun’s Olympic uniform.

UK superstar musician Adele halted her concert in Munich to thank Raygun for providing ‘the best thing that has happened at the Olympics for the entire time’ on August 10

US talkshow host Jimmy Fallon mocked her performance alongside comedian Rachel Dratch 

Dancing with the Stars bosses are meanwhile desperate to sign Raygun for the upcoming season – with insiders claiming producers are prepared to make a big money offer.

‘Dancing with the Stars loves being the show where people redeem themselves and this could be the perfect avenue for Rachael to not be a laughingstock anymore,’ a source told Daily Mail Australia.

‘Dancing is going to make an offer.’

Raygun lost all three of her round-robin battles by a combined score of 54-0.

Experts also say the Macquarie University lecturer, who holds a PhD in her sport, is set to earn millions off the back of her Olympic momentum.

Marketing and public relations expert Max Markson said some of the world’s biggest international companies will be eager to capitalise on her high profile.

‘She has an enormous brand,’ he said.