She may have lost and scored a grand total of zero points, but as Anthony Albanese said in a press conference on Sunday morning: “Raygun had a crack, good on her ...
That is in the Australian tradition of people having a go.” Indeed. Let’s put aside, for a moment, whether she was trolling the world with her performance, will become a national treasure or whether “the kangaroo” and “the sprinkler” are now the official dance moves of Australia, to be performed at barbecues, celebrations and in place of air-kisses when we greet each other.
There is something glorious about having a crack at something difficult despite the risk of being ridiculed. The pluck and hope that drive Eddie the Eagle , Eric the Eel and, now, our very own Dr Rachael “Raygun” Gunn is nothing short of inspiring. Raygun caught the attention of fans with her kangaroo-like pose.
Credit: Getty Images Sure, she’s earnest, but she’s also dedicated and fully backs herself. It is so rare to find someone who gives their all – regardless of what anyone else thinks– that it hurts to see keyboard warriors trying to burst her bubble. Besides, having a crack and being bad – or at least, bad compared to the competition – is liberating.
When we are bad, there is no pressure to perform. Our hobby becomes an escape from all the other pressures in our lives; there is endless opportunity for growth; and if you accept that creativity is the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules and patterns.