The 2024 Paris Olympics had its fair share of highlight reel moments. Athletes such as Korea’s 10 m air-pistol shooter Kim Yeji and Team USA’s gymnastic icon Stephen Nedoroscik went viral for their signature style and Olympic medal-winning performances. However, things were a bit more complicated for Australian B-Gril Rachael ‘Raygun’ Gunn. Despite not winning a medal, her performance reached the heights of viral success, even attracting reality TV offers.

However, Gunn shut down those offers last week. “I just don’t think reality TV is a good fit for me,” said the 38-year-old. Now in an exclusive interview with 9Honey, Gunn has revealed how even processing the initial fame became difficult for her. Unlike her fellow Olympians who earned overnight fame, the verdict on Gunn’s performance wasn’t universally positive.

“I have a very memeable face, as we’ve seen,” Raygun said last week on Fifi, Fev & Nick. Following her breakdance performance on the Olympic stage, social media was flooded with memes for some of her peculiar moves. However, for everyone who enjoyed the Aussie breakdancer’s moves on the dance floor, there seemed to be just as many who criticized her.

So dealing with the praise and backlash became a monumental challenge. “Honestly, it caused a lot of anxiety to begin with, going out in public. It’s something that I’ve had to slowly get used to,” she told 9Honoey in an exclusive interview. Raygun was ready to become an overnight internet sensation, especially because she didn’t believe her performance would get any attention.

“I didn’t expect to do well at the Olympics… As soon as I qualified, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, what have I done?’ I knew I was going to get beaten,” said Gunn. Yet, what happened was the absolute opposite of what she had thought. Seeing her performance bring joy to people delighted the breakdancer. However, those who constantly mocked her online affected the athlete’s mental health.

However, with time, Raygun has developed “ways of managing that anxiety” after consulting with her psychologist. And while the New South Wales native refused to appear on TV, she isn’t ready to give up on breakdancing.

Raygun boldly smashed another rumor

Rachael Gunn isn’t quite ready to step into Stephen Nedorosick’s shoes. After winning two bronze medals at the Olympics, Team USA’s Clark Kent has continued to capitalize on that fame through his Dancing with the Stars participation. However, amidst Gunn’s refusal to appear on reality TV, another rumor swirled, claiming she was retiring from breakdancing.

However, despite the initial difficulty in dealing with the attention, Gunn isn’t ready to leave her passion behind. While the 38-year-old may be stepping back from competing, she continued to dance. “I’m still going to be part of community jams, still dance, still break. I never used the word retire—I’m not retiring.” Raygun said on The Today Show.

“You try and stop me; I’m not ever going to stop dancing,” said the former World DanceSport Federation No. 1 ranked dancer. While those who continue to mock the Aussie B-Girl may rejoice if she retires, the dancer isn’t ready to give them that satisfaction. “I just don’t listen to them,” Raygun told 9honey. “If I see something on social media that I don’t like, I just keep scrolling past it,” she added. So it’s safe to say that despite the initial difficulties, Rachael Gunn has overcome her anxiety.