Nearly two weeks have passed since Australian b-girl Raygun, also known as Dr. Rachel Gunn, made headlines with her breakdancing routines at an international competition. Despite her disappointing results—losing a combined 54-0 across three breakdancing matches—the world has not forgotten about Raygun. Instead, the internet has been abuzz with memes, reactions, news stories, and TikToks, all centered around her unique performances.
The latest viral sensation involving Raygun comes from former world champion synchronized swimmer Kristina Makushenko. Makushenko, known for her impressive accolades in the world of synchronized swimming, recently paid homage to Raygun by recreating her breakdancing routine—this time underwater.
The Russian athlete flawlessly executed the routine, from start to finish, in a pool, capturing the attention of fans and viewers alike.
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Makushenko’s underwater tribute quickly gained traction online, especially on platforms like Reddit, where it garnered widespread praise. Although Makushenko is well-known for her skills in the water, this particular performance stood out as a creative and playful nod to Raygun’s routine, blending the elegance of synchronized swimming with the raw energy of breakdancing.
Makushenko is no stranger to the spotlight. A decorated athlete, she won two gold medals at the 2009 World Championships in Serbia, followed by five more golds in various competitions in 2010, and an additional two golds at the European Junior Championships in 2011. Her decision to recreate Raygun’s breakdancing routine not only highlights her versatility but also demonstrates her respect for athletes from other disciplines.
Meanwhile, Raygun has been addressing the intense global reaction to her performances in Paris. Despite the criticism and “devastating” hate she has received, she has remained resilient. Instead of returning home with her Australian teammates after the competition, Raygun chose to extend her stay in Europe, taking some time to regroup and reflect.
The backlash against Raygun became so widespread that even Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese weighed in on the situation.
In a show of support, Albanese praised Raygun for her efforts, stating, “Good on her and a big shout out to her. That is in the Australian tradition of people having a go. She’s had a go representing our country, and that’s a good thing.” He went on to emphasize that not every athlete returns home with a medal, but each one deserves recognition for their hard work and dedication. “Whether they’ve won gold, silver, bronze or just put in a performance, they’ve all done us proud,” the Prime Minister added.
Raygun’s journey serves as a reminder that the world of sports is as much about perseverance and courage as it is about winning. While her results in the breakdancing competition may not have been what she hoped for, her impact continues to resonate, inspiring others—like Makushenko—to celebrate athleticism in all its forms.
As the internet continues to buzz with discussions about Raygun, it’s clear that her story is far from over.
