'Harden is a second home for me': Meeting the real Rachel 'Raygun' Gunn

Like many people, I watched the 2024 Paris Olympics and was left thinking: who the hell is Raygun?

Six months after her much publicised breakdancing performance at the Games, there have been countless parodies, criticisms, memes and commentary relating to Rachel ‘Raygun’ Gunn.

I too used her kangaroo-inspired moves at a black-tie gala event, garnering a chuckle from a crowd of Wagga Wagga stakeholders.

But something has been missed in the countless TikToks, Instagram posts and even Halloween costumes – the actual person who put herself out there, Rachel Gunn.

Ms Gunn recently attended a charity event in the small Riverina town of Harden and I originally planned to write about arguably the world’s most ridiculed Olympian visiting a town with less than 2000 people.

However, after seeing her in action, I would like to apologise for my part in sharing a joke that has clearly outstayed its welcome.

“Raygun” is not an untouchable celebrity calling out for fame or a sports star looking to milk her 15 minutes in the spotlight – she is an everyday human being trying to help her fellow Australians.

I travelled from Wagga to Harden (around an 80-minute drive) to meet Ms Gunn and other Harden residents before a charity event which would see “Raygun” teach kids how to break dance.

All money from the event would go towards helping rebuild a daycare centre that was heavily damaged during a hailstorm that tore through the small town.

The centre is currently operating out of the Harden Showgrounds until the facility is repaired, but it has only six to eight months before it will be forced to relocate again, making the repairs incredibly important.

I was warned before the event that Ms Gunn may not want to talk to the media and that she definitely did not want to talk about her performance at the Olympics. She explained that all discussion about her visit should be about rebuilding the centre.

I went to the event regardless, interested to meet Raygun. Who wouldn’t be? We’ve all seen the footage.

However, from the moment I stepped into the Harden Country Club and saw Ms Gunn mopping floors in a function room for an event that was still 30 or so minutes away from starting, I knew my perception of her was all wrong.

I put out my hand and introduced myself, “Hi Rachel, my name is Jarryd Rowley and I’m a journalist with Region Riverina,” the typical introduction I would make.

She was polite enough to introduce herself, not that she needed to, but there was a reluctance.

Instead of the usual sports star eager to promote their brand, she was cautious and hesitant. She was clearly worn out by the previous six months of media bashing and I don’t blame her.

Ms Gunn was quick to get back to the setup, which included putting decorations on the doorway of the club. She stood on a chair, calling out to her grandfather and cousins (who are Harden residents) to help her put the finishing touches on the room before tens of kids rushed to learn moves from the Olympian.

I learnt pretty quickly that I was not going to get the interview I originally wanted, and in this case I understood why.

As a reporter I was looking for a story about a larger-than-life Olympian – instead I was floored by a normal person and, in a lot of ways, that’s the more important story to tell.

In a brief chat with Ms Gunn, she told me about her experiences in Harden.

“It’s a second home for me here,” she said. “I used to come here every Christmas and spend time with my family.”

Between blowing up balloons and ever so nicely trying to end our conversation, she was clearly sincere. She loves Harden and its community and was genuinely there to support a cause that was dear to her.

This impression was backed up by her cousin Steph Ellis.

“She’s come down to Harden every year. Over her childhood, she always came down here for Christmas and we would stay out on the farm,” Ms Ellis said.

“When she heard about what was going on (the Harden hailstorm), she kept calling me and checking that we were fine.

“As soon as she heard, she was just like, ‘What can I do to help?’

“She was originally coming down to celebrate my mum, her aunty’s, birthday and on only two days’ notice helped put the event together.”

The event was a huge success. Thousands of dollars have been raised and donations are still being accepted. Ms Gunn is even auctioning a signed Olympic shirt on eBay, which currently has more than 45 bids and sits at $1525. To bid on or view the item, click here.

Despite the backlash she’s copped and whatever your opinion of her routine, “Raygun” clearly just wants breaking to thrive in Australia.

So this is a thank you to Ms Gunn for using her platform to raise money for a community that needs it and a reminder she is a real person, not the parody we’ve been fed in the media.