Australian breakdancer Raygun has gained international recognition for her unconventional moves, and even caught the attention of global superstar Adele.
During her recent residency in Munich, Adele gave a shoutout to Raygun, praising her for her bold and creative approach to breakdancing. “It’s all that me and my friends have been talking about,” Adele said. “I think it’s the best thing that’s happened at the Olympics, the entire time.”
Adele expressed her admiration for Raygun’s courage to be different. “I didn’t even know that breakdancing was even an Olympic sport these days. I think that’s fantastic,” she said. “I can’t work out if it was a joke … If you haven’t seen it, please leave the show and Google it.”
Raygun, whose real name is Rachael Gunn, made headlines after competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics’ first-ever breakdancing event. Despite losing all three of her Olympic breaking matches, she won the hearts of many with her unique style and confidence.
The university lecturer’s moves, which included toe touches while lying on her side and dancing around the floor like a kangaroo, left many in awe. After the contest, she shared a photo on Instagram with a quote encouraging fans to embrace their individuality and not be afraid to be different.
“Go out there and represent yourself, you never know where that’s gonna take you,” she shared.
In a press conference, Raygun relayed a similar message, saying, “What I wanted to do was come out here and do something new and different and creative — that’s my strength, my creativity. I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best, the dynamic and the power moves, so I wanted to move differently, be artistic and creative because how many chances do you get in a lifetime to do that on an international stage?”
Team Australia head Anna Meares came to Raygun’s defense, saying, “I love Rachael, and I think that what has occurred on social media with trolls and keyboard warriors, and taking those comments and giving them airtime, has been really disappointing. Raygun is an absolutely loved member of this Olympic team. 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.”