Raygun unrecognisable in stunning post-Olympics transformation
Ridiculed Olympic breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn has showed off an unrecognisable look as she made a bold new move.
The internet exploded with commentary when Rachael “Raygun” Gunn hit the breakdancing floor at the Paris Olympics.
Her unique style, a blend of classic moves with some rather unconventional flourishes, quickly went viral, but not necessarily for the reasons she might have hoped.
Now, the Aussie athlete has traded her tracksuit for high fashion, gracing the cover of Stellar magazine in a look that’s turning heads all over again.
She’s ditched the green and gold get-up for pure elegance. With her hair sleekly pulled back, Raygun is radiant in a vibrant blue dress and strappy black sandals, complete with a bold red lip.
Picture: Steven Chee for Stellar
It’s a far cry from the image most people have of the breakdancer, proving she’s capable of commanding attention both on and off the dance floor.
Though the full interview isn’t released until Sunday, the cover offers a tantalising glimpse into Raygun’s mindset.
“You did not bring me down,” she declares.
“You did not succeed. I still stand by what I did.”
Raygun’s Olympic experience was a whirlwind of emotions.
She lost all three of her breaking matches 18-0, and faced accusations of disrespecting the sport simply by participating.
The online backlash was swift and brutal, with many questioning her qualifications and even calling for the Australian chef de mission to be held accountable for her inclusion in the Games.
“I didn’t realise that that would also open the door to so much hate, which has frankly been pretty devastating,” Gunn, 36, admitted in an Instagram video addressing the controversy. “While I went out there and I had fun, I did take it very seriously. I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics and I gave my all, truly.”
Despite the negativity, Gunn found solace in the support of her loved ones and the breakdancing community.
“I’m honoured to have been a part of the Australian Olympic team and to be part of breaking’s Olympic debut,” she shared.
“What the other athletes have achieved has just been phenomenal.”
And, Australia has shown its support in return.
Earlier this month, a statue of Gunn appeared in a Melbourne suburb, a testament to her resilience and the way she captured the nation’s attention.
While Raygun’s future may not include competitive breakdancing, she’s embracing the opportunity to return to her roots.
“It’s been a bit of a process to try and start dancing again,” she confessed during an interview on “The Project.”
“Like, that’s actually been tough. You know, it was my medicine, and then it turned into my source of stress.”
But now, she’s reclaiming her passion. “I’m happy that it gets to go back to being my medicine,” she says. “I can kind of finally feel free again. I’m looking forward to breaking, but no, I don’t think I’ll compete for a while.”
More Coverage
Breaking will not be back at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
See the full cover shoot and interview with Raygun in this Sunday’s Stellar – via The Sunday Telegraph (NSW), Sunday Herald Sun (VIC), Sunday Mail (QLD) and The Sunday Mail (SA). For more from Stellar and the podcast, Something To Talk About, click here.
- with The New York Post.