PARIS - The atmosphere was electric as the sun set behind the Olympic breaking stadium at La Concorde during the inaugural breaking competition. On August 9, 2024, Japan's Ami Yuasa, popularly known as B-Girl Ami, danced her way to history, clinching the first-ever Olympic gold medal awarded for breaking—a form of dance widely known as breakdancing.
Ami demonstrated not just superior skill but also charisma, gliding through the rounds with impressive moves like head spins, air flares, and backflips. Her final battle was against Lithuania's Dominika Banevic, known as B-Girl Nicka. The competition unfolded like a theatrical performance, with Ami finishing with resounding success, winning the final round with a clean sweep of 3-0. The crowd erupted as she showcased her ability to mix technical moves with her unique flair, embodying the spirit of breaking.
Prior to the finals, the atmosphere was lively and engaging, with Snoop Dogg himself making an appearance. His performance and involvement helped to energize the crowd, drawing cheers and excitement as he encouraged the dancers and the audience alike.
"The fact breaking was added to the Olympic Games was fantastic because it allowed people to explore all the wonderful aspects of our culture," Yuasa stated after her victory. She went on to reflect on how the competition was not just about winning medals but also about sharing the art form with the world. "Everyone who competed today communicated the incredible vibes of breaking. We made history tonight!" she exclaimed.
Yuasa's pathways to the podium were paved with determination. At just 25 years old, she is already seasoned and well-accomplished, with multiple world championship medals to her name. Her dedication to the craft began at the humble Mizonokuchi Station in Kanagawa, where she spent hours perfecting her technique and moves. Her hard work clearly paid off when she conquered the championships leading up to this moment.
Meanwhile, B-Girl Nicka, only 17 years old, expressed her pride at being part of this historic event. "Breaking's first time at the Olympics!" she shared happily, emphasizing the uniqueness of the art form. "I’m so happy people could feel our energy and see how wonderful breaking is. More and more people will be interested now."
The breaking competition was not just noteworthy for its participants but also for its format—an approach reminiscent of both street battles and dance showcases. Dancers engaged not just with their moves but also with the judges, the crowd, and the energy of the venue itself, creating what some spectators called a monumental party, blurring the lines between competition and celebration.
With 33 breakers from 15 different countries competing, the atmosphere was rich with various styles and techniques. This display of cultural diversity showcased breaking's worldwide appeal. While the competition was hard-fought, the dance battles were characterized by camaraderie and mutual respect among the competitors.
While her victory marked a memorable moment for Ami, it also meant farewell for breaking as an Olympic sport, at least for now. Due to the Olympic Committee’s decision, breaking will not feature at the upcoming LA 2028 games—a move Yuasa lamented, stating, "I would have loved to see breaking evolve at the next Olympics." Despite this, she remained optimistic about the future of the dance form. "Its time at the Olympics opens new doors for breaking, and I believe it will continue to thrive outside of these games," she added.
Meanwhile, other notable performances included China’s B-Girl 671, Liu Qingyi, who dazzled to earn the bronze medal after narrowly overpowering India Sardjoe, known as B-Girl India, with her own dynamic flair and technical prowess.
The competition’s judging panel comprised bastions of the breakdancing community, featuring renowned names who understood both the artistry and athleticism required for the performances. The scoring system emphasized not just technical ability but also factors such as musicality and originality—most were well-versed with breaking culture and adept at assessing what made performances shine.
The embrace of breaking at the Olympic level is monumental; sweeping away past stereotypes of what constitutes sport, it redefines physicality and skill within the context of high-energy dance. It also points to the growing recognition of breakdancing as legitimate art—a representation of youth culture and community engagement.
With this momentous occasion marking not just the end of one Olympic chapter for breaking but also the continuation of its legacy, fans, participants, and newcomers can expect this dance form to keep evolving, bringing more energy and creativity to stages across the globe. Ami’s gold medalling on this historic night established her as not just a champion, but also as one of the faces of breaking's bright future.
Friday’s Olympic breaking events unquestionably represented the intersection of sport, art, and culture—culminated by the exuberant celebration catalyzed by groundbreaking competition. Audiences glimmered with delight during moments of athletic prowess and artistic expression, proving once again why breaking’s legacy will endure, albeit fleetingly within the Olympics.