Raygun launches $15k challenge for Aussies as she returns to breaking

She announced in her viral interview on The Project that she wouldn’t be competing “for a while”, but Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn has officially made her return to breaking this week. The controversial Olympian posted an Instagram video on Tuesday announcing that she’s teamed up with comparison site Finder to launch the #RaygunChallenge.

Aussies who thought they could do a better job at the Olympics are encouraged to share a video of themselves out-dancing Raygun on social media alongside the hashtag for their chance to win a share of $15,000. The best solo dancer will receive $5k, and the best dance crew made up of two or more dancers will receive $10k.

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“I’ve heard some of you think you can do better than me,” she said in the video. “Really? Let’s find out, shall we?”

The clip features the 36-year-old university lecturer showing off some of her signature moves - albeit with significantly fewer kangaroo hops.

Fans divided over 'cringe' video

The challenge has divided fans on social media, with many people describing Raygun’s video as “cringe”, “really awful” and “physically painful to watch”.

“My dog can do better than that,” one person commented, while another added, “The real question is who cannot do better than this”.

“Not that we think we can do better. As an Olympian we thought you would have done better!” a third said, followed by a different user who replied, “That really hurt to watch can you at least do a backflip or something?”.

Meanwhile, others applauded Raygun for poking fun at her viral fame and using her platform to give away money to other Australian breakers.

“The truth is some will probably do better than her, but the fact is, she is using what she got to give back to the community. Haters gon’ hate, b-boys and b-girls just participate,” a fan replied.

“You are brilliant! Such a great Aussie thing, turn that hate into love. We love it!” someone else shared, with another writing, “The epitome of resilience. Go get 'em Raygun. I 100% cannot do better. Waiting to see who can”.

Raygun announces break from competing

Following her experience at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Raygun revealed during her tell-all appearance on The Project in September that she will take a break from competing.

“I don’t think I’ll be competing for a while. Not really wanting to be in the spotlight, breaking, competing,” she said.

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“It’s been nice. It’s been a bit of a process to try and start dancing again. Like, that’s actually been tough. You know, it was my medicine, and then it turned into my source of stress.

“So, I’m really happy that it gets to go back to being my medicine. 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.”

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