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Aussie breakdancer Rachel Gunn has returned home to Australia looking in great spirits after becoming an overnight sensation during the inaugural women’s competition at the Paris Olympics.
Gunn, who goes by the stage name Raygun, was spotted on Monday morning arriving at Sydney International Airport with her husband and coach Samuel Free.
Dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, the 37-year-old looked decidedly chipper as she strolled through the terminal.
The embattled breakdancer became an instant meme for her routine at the Olympics, which became the event’s most talked-about moment.
Aussie Olympian Raygun was spotted at Sydney airport on Monday morning
The breakdancer looked to be in fine spirits after making headlines in Paris
Her unique moves, which included kangaroo hopping and sliding across the floor, didn’t serve her well at the competition and saw her face an onslaught of ridicule as she was turned into a global sensation.
Last week, Raygun gave her first TV interview on the viral moment, appearing on The Project on Wednesday to discuss the ordeal with host Waleed Aly.
During the tell-all interview, Raygun doubled down on her viral routine – blaming it on a ‘lack of resources’ – before revealing she plans to step back from competing in a shock career move.
She also admitted she hasn’t even watched her now-infamous performance and hit out at her critics as she passionately insisted they don’t ‘understand’ breakdancing.
After accusations that she made a ‘mockery’ of breakdancing, Raygun took a swipe at her critics as she claimed they don’t understand her ‘artistic’ style and called for more resources to be given to the sport Down Under.
The Aussie star was all smiles as she strolled through the airport with husband Samuel
Gunn became an overnight sensation with her unique take on breakdancing during the inaugural women’s competition at the Paris Olympics
The embattled breaker recently broke her silence in the wake of the uproar and backlash over her performance at the Games
‘Unfortunately, we just need some more resources in Australia for us to have a chance to beat world champions,’ she shared.
‘You know, historically, unfortunately, we haven’t had the best track record of winning World Championships, so, you know, I don’t think that’s just on me.’
‘A lot of the responses, though, is just due to people not being very familiar with breaking and the diversity of approaches in breaking,’ she went on.
‘It was so fantastic that the next day the judging chair, MG, came out and explained that in the breaking community what I did actually wasn’t very shocking.
‘You know, it’s just a different approach in breaking. You have the athletic-style breakers and you also have the more artistic-style breakers and all of them are very valid.’
Gunn spoke to media for the first time in a tell-all television interview on The Project
Gunn appears to be headed for a career in television, with all three commercial networks reportedly trying to sign a deal with her
Though her performance has been widely viewed around the globe, Raygun admitted she hasn’t watched it amid the backlash.
‘I haven’t watched it back, no. That’s not unusual for me, though. I’m not great at watching back my battles,’ she shared.
‘It’s still gonna take some time. I think I’ve seen little bits and pieces, but, yeah, I’ll watch it eventually.’
Raygun’s time in the spotlight post the Paris Olympics is showing no signs of waning if one of her recent high profile companions is any guide.
On Saturday morning Australian time, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson busted out some moves alongside the controversial performer as they sailed on a Virgin Voyages Celebration Voyage sailing in the Mediterranean.
Video footage shows Raygun welcomed onto the stage to huge cheers, and talking about what she loves most about breakdancing.
‘It’s all about relaxing, it’s about having fun and it’s about being yourself, and I just totally love that,’ Raygun said.
The B-girl then takes to the dance floor before Branson joins her, pulling out the infamous kangaroo hop move.
Gunn danced with Sir Richard Branson with the Virgin founder imitating her kangaroo move
‘Oh Richard, that was so three weeks ago, come on,’ Raygun said, laughing it off.
She then gets the crowd involved in a group dance, standing at the head of the pool and encouraging everyone to follow along with her, reminiscent of a water aerobics class.
‘That’s it, get it out – get some attitude!’
Branson then appears beside Raygun, taking her hand and pulling her into the pool with him.
The pair wade through the shallow edge before jumping into the deeper water while holding hands.
Raygun also spoke with iconic UK singer Boy George on the Scarlet Lady cruise after Branson invited her along to celebrate her creativity and individuality.
