Viral Australian Olympian Rachael Gunn, widely recognized as breakdancer Raygun, has expressed deep concern about the state of the education system after losing her position as a pop culture lecturer at Sydney's Macquarie University. The university's arts department faced severe budget cuts, leading Gunn to accept a voluntary redundancy. She now insists there must be a "serious conversation about higher education in this country."
Concerns for colleagues and systemic issues
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Gunn revealed she is "very worried" for her academic colleagues. "I don't think that things are getting better for them," she said. Gunn has raised concerns about the "psychosocial hazards facing staff" and has also flagged issues regarding executive wages and spending on consultants. These comments come as universities nationwide grapple with funding challenges and restructuring.
The 38-year-old is now moving on and looking to capitalize on her heightened profile, which soared after representing Australia in breaking at the Paris Olympics. Despite facing global ridicule for her performance, her signature kangaroo move made her a household name.
New website and public speaking opportunities
On Instagram, Gunn shared a link to her new website, announcing it with the words "It's official." The homepage features a spinning wheel image of Gunn, and the cursor transforms into her famous kangaroo pose. She is now available for bookings as a guest speaker, host, or "conversation starter," and can be hired for "fireside chats."
Her key speaking topics include resilience, mental health, navigating online attention, women in sport, breaking barriers, and "going viral (and staying grounded)." According to her website, "Dr Rachael Gunn (Raygun) is a speaker, educator, and performer who brings energy, insight, and positivity to every stage." It adds that she has over 15 years of experience presenting and facilitating workshops on media and cultural studies in university settings and at international conferences.
Since the Olympics, Gunn has expanded her work to draw on her viral experience and elite competition preparation, exploring themes such as resilience, creativity, and mental health. Her strength lies in adaptability, connecting with academic, corporate, creative, or sporty audiences in a refreshingly genuine manner.
