Breakdancing sensation Raygun to extend stay in Europe instead of returning home after Olympics
Australia’s Olympians have returned home after breaking the country’s record for the most gold medals won, but there’s a very notable absentee.
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Australia’s breakdancing sensation, Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn, will not be joining her fellow Olympic athletes as they return home after the conclusion of the Games, it has been reported.
Instead, the 36-year-old will reportedly remain in Europe to enjoy a holiday, possibly spending some downtime with her husband, Samuel Free, and her parents, according to 2GB.
Raygun made global headlines for her unexpected and eccentric performance in Paris, where she failed to score a single judges vote across three battles.
Despite the outcome, her participation in the Games has sparked both controversy and admiration, solidifying her status as a cult figure in Australia.
While Raygun remains in Europe, the rest of the Australian Olympic team touched down in Sydney on Wednesday morning to a hero’s welcome.
Raygun’s Games campaign saw her relentlessly trolled and lauded in what has become one of the event’s most discussed moments.
Ultimately, the establishment rallied behind the 36-year-old Australian cultural studies academic.
Breaking head judge Martin Gilian said the sport’s community “definitely stands behind her”.
“Breaking is all about originality and bringing something new to the table and representing your country or region,” he said.
“This is exactly what Raygun was doing. She got inspired by her surroundings, which in this case, for example, was a kangaroo.”
“But again, that doesn’t mean that she did really bad. She did her best. She won the Oceania qualifier.”
“Unfortunately, for her, the other B-girls were better.”
Chef de mission Anna Meares previously stated that she admires Raygun’s “courage” and expressed disappointment that Raygun has faced criticism.
“Raygun is an absolutely loved member of this Olympic team,” she said.
“She has represented the Olympic team, the Olympic spirit, with great enthusiasm, and I absolutely love her courage.
“I love her character and I feel very disappointed for her that she has come under the attack that she has.”
Meares added that it took “great courage” for Raygun to continue on and fight for her opportunity to participate in a sport that she loved.
“In 2008, she was locked in a room crying, being involved in a male-dominated sport as the only woman,” she said.
Raygun was also embraced by the Australian contingent of athletes during celebrations leading up tot he closing ceremony.
Anthony Albanese also expressed his support for Raygun over the weekend.
“Good on her and a big shout out to her,” the Prime Minister said. “That is in the Australian tradition of people having a go. She’s had a go representing our country, and that’s a good thing.”
Massive crowds greets Aussie heroes
The athletes were greeted by a massive crowd of adoring family and friends at Sydney Airport, with the Qantas choir serenading them as they stepped off the plane.
Australia’s Olympians made history by smashing the country’s record for the most gold medals won at a single Games, a feat that has brought immense pride to the nation.
Among the returning athletes was swimming superstar Kaylee McKeown.
“Definitely not. There’s definitely pinch-me moments, and being presented the flag, there was definitely one of those moments I’ll cherish for the rest of my life,” McKeown told the Today Show as she stepped off the plane.
Waiting to greet her were her brothers, Lachlan and Bailey Carter, who had crowd-funded their way to the Olympics to support their sister.
They were dressed in sparkly gold dresses and Australian scarfs and eager to welcome her home.
“We’re very proud of what she’s accomplished … we’re proud of everyone, but Kaylee, she’s done amazing,” Bailey Carter said.
“If you combine her last two Olympics, she’s medalled in every event she’s done, so she’s a legend of the sport. And yeah, super proud of her, and just stoked to have her back on home soil now.”
Emma McKeon, the most decorated Australian in Olympic history, was also among the Olympians who touched down on home soil.
Her younger sister, Caitlin, shared her pride in Emma’s achievements.
“I guess it’s pretty overwhelming, but it’s so special to know that she’s worked so hard for so many years and has been able to achieve what she has,” Caitlin McKeon told Today.
“And then just to hear, I guess, statements like that, it’s like, ‘Wow, that’s actually my big sister that’s done all that.’”
The family of swimmer Ariarne Titmus, who won two gold and two silver medals in Paris, were equally excited to see her return home after eight weeks away.
“We’re massively proud of not just what she did in the pool, but how she behaved out of the pool as well,” her parents said.
“She’s a wonderful young woman, and she’s become a lady who we are just enormously inspired by.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also made an appearance at the airport, praising the athletes for their dedication and success.
“I mean, not every athlete who gets off that plane is bringing home a medal, but every single one of them is worth their weight in gold,” Albanese said.
“They have just done Australia proud and they’ve done their best. Whether they’ve won gold, silver, bronze or just put in a performance, they’ve all done us proud.”
Originally published as Breakdancing sensation Raygun to extend stay in Europe instead of returning home after Olympics
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