Viral Olympic striker Raygun aims for fame

Following her unorthodox breakdancing performance at the Paris Olympics, Australian breakdancer Rachel “Raygun” Gunn is reportedly trying to make something positive out of a viral moment that sparked so much criticism and ridicule.

Paris marked the first time breakdancing – also known as break dancing – was used at the Olympic Games. The hip-hop dance style, developed in New York City in the 1970s, entered the biggest stage in international sport. It was clear that there would be headlines, and Raygun's performance – she scored zeros in all rounds of her breakdance battles – brought the 36-year-old academic worldwide attention on the internet and in news outlets. While some celebrated and defended her creativity, others were quick to mock her and even invented conspiracy theories about how she qualified to represent Australia.

The joke might be on her, as Raygun recently announced that she has signed with Born Bred Talent, a high-profile management team specializing in TikTok talent, social media stars and Instagram influencers. Experts weighing in on the Olympia sensation's future say she could make millions from her newfound fame.

[See more: Which sports have been added to or removed from the 2024 Paris Olympics?]

According to rumors, Australian broadcaster Network 10 is “very interested” in having the Breaker in the next season of I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Raygun is “the ideal campmate” for the jungle-based celebrity survival show. Dee Madigan, a branding and advertising expert, said there was also a good chance Raygun would appear in Channel 7's Dancing with the stars and numerous commercials, including Australian Bananas' “Make Those Bodies Sing,” one of the country's longest-running advertising campaigns.

Max Markson, a renowned marketing expert, told 7 News that Raygun is also likely to sign deals with well-known global companies. “She will get international offers from sports shoe brands like Adidas or Puma, from food companies like McDonald's or KFC, from electric car companies like BYD and she will get a phone company like Telstra, Optus or Vodafone,” Markson said. “There will be other international companies that want her as well.”

All of these opportunities could earn the breaker millions – $500,000 is the going rate for big companies like McDonald's, according to Markson. If so, it would be some kind of compensation for the organized hate she faced after her performance at the Games.