The urban sport of breaking made its Olympic debut on Friday in Paris, marking a historic moment for the dance form. Japan’s B-Girl Ami, whose real name is Ami Yuasa, won the inaugural women’s gold medal in a thrilling series of battles. Breaking, better known as breakdancing, saw 17 B-Girls compete in the event, which took place amidst the elegant backdrop of Place de la Concorde. Ami’s victory came after defeating Lithuania’s Dominika “Nicka” Banevic in the final, with China’s Liu “671” Qingyi securing bronze. However, the sport’s appearance at the Olympics could be short-lived, as it has already been dropped from the Los Angeles 2028 programme. The decision sparked disappointment among athletes, with Australian B-Girl Rachel “Raygun” Gunn expressing her frustration. “It was disappointing it was decided that it wouldn’t be in LA, particularly before we even had a chance to show it,” Gunn stated. “I think that was possibly a little premature. I wonder if they’re kicking themselves now.” Organizers in Paris ensured the sport received a fitting send-off, creating an energetic atmosphere with a loud crowd that included rapper Snoop Dogg. The event also highlighted the diversity of breaking, with participants from countries like India, Afghanistan, and the United States. Talash, a Refugee Olympic Team competitor whose real name is Manizha Talash, showcased the struggles of Afghan women by dancing in a blue cape inscribed with “Free Afghan Women.” This powerful statement echoed the words of American B-Girl Logistx, also known as Logan Edra, who said: “There are so many people that are struggling everywhere, and this is why the world needs this.” Breaking, which originated in New York’s hip-hop culture in the 1970s, has come a long way from its beginnings in the Bronx block parties. The competition format involved B-Girls taking turns to perform their dance moves over a set number of rounds, with a panel of judges determining the winner. The event kicked off with a pool stage featuring four groups of four B-Girls, followed by the knockout round. The B-Girls danced on a circular stage, accompanied by a DJ playing hip-hop classics and MCs engaging the crowd. Australian B-Girl Raygun addressed the debate surrounding breaking’s place in the Olympics by questioning the definition of an Olympic sport. “What is an Olympic sport? What are the similarities between dressage and artistic swimming and the 100m sprint and the pentathlon?” she asked. “Breaking is clearly athletic, it clearly requires a whole level of dedication across a number of different aspects. It’s really bringing a new level of excitement.” The men’s competition is scheduled to take place on Saturday.
Breakdancing Makes Olympic Debut, Japan’s Ami Takes Gold
