In a groundbreaking event, Japan’s b-girl Ami Yuasa, legally known as Ami Yuasa, made history by securing the first-ever gold medal in Olympic breaking. The intense competition, held at Paris’ Place de la Concorde stadium, showcased the athleticism, artistry, and cultural significance of breaking—a dance form deeply rooted in hip-hop culture.
A Battle of Skill and Style
Ami triumphed over Lithuania’s b-girl Nicka (Dominika Banevič) in the final showdown, winning all three rounds. The competition was a vibrant display of breaking’s core elements: spinning, flipping, and top rocking. The event, which featured 16 top breakers from around the world, captivated the audience and highlighted the blend of sport and art that defines breaking.
“Breaking is my expression,” Yuasa remarked after her victory. “It’s an art form, but I want to say that breaking also could be part of sports.”
The Power Moves That Stole the Show
The b-girls impressed the crowd with their dynamic power moves, including headspins, windmills, and backflips. The energy in the stadium was palpable, with fans staying engaged from the afternoon through the event’s conclusion just before 10 p.m.
The competition began with 17 b-girls, narrowing down to eight in the quarterfinals. Nicka, who won the silver medal, and China’s b-girl 671 (Liu Qingyi), who claimed the bronze, were among the standout performers. Liu, a newcomer to the international breaking scene, faced off against b-girl India (India Sardjo) from the Netherlands in a high-energy battle set to “Boom!” by The Roots.
Breaking: A Breath of Fresh Air for the Olympics
“Olympics needed breaking because it’s like a breath of fresh air,” Banevič said. “So many people saw breaking for the first time, and it’s huge. I’m happy I could represent the highest level of this art form.”
American B-Girls Face Early Exit
The competition was not without disappointment, particularly for the American b-girls. Both b-girl Logistx (Logan Edra) and b-girl Sunny (Sunny Choi) were eliminated in the first round, a surprising outcome given the United States’ deep roots in hip-hop and breaking culture. Despite their early exits, Logistx remained positive about her performance.
“I feel like I still shined and represented the dance,” Logistx reflected. “It was such a big opportunity, and I’m really happy that we’re here.”
The Debut of Breaking at the Olympics
Breaking made its Olympic debut with a judging panel of nine renowned b-boys and b-girls from around the globe. The Trivium judging system was used, evaluating dancers on technique, vocabulary, execution, musicality, and originality, each contributing 20% to the final score.
Each dancer started with a toprock routine, catching the beat while standing before transitioning to intricate footwork on the floor. The soundtrack, a mix spun live by two DJs, was a surprise for the competitors, adding an element of spontaneity to their performances.
The judges were positioned between the circular dance floor—designed to resemble a record—and a massive boombox, symbolizing breaking’s musical roots. The breakbeat, the moment when a song’s vocals drop and the beat loops, is crucial to the dance, allowing breakers to showcase their unique style.
Breaking: An Art Form and a Sport
Breaking’s inclusion in the Olympics sparked debate among traditionalists, but the event’s success proved the dance form’s athletic and artistic value. Organizers faced the challenge of presenting hip-hop culture to a global audience, many of whom were unfamiliar with breaking. By the end of Friday’s marathon of battles, the physicality and skill of the breakers were undeniable.
Making History: 33 Breakers Represent 15 Countries
In total, 33 breakers from 15 countries and the Refugee Olympic Team made history on Friday. The b-boys were set to compete on Saturday, possibly their only opportunity to win Olympic gold, as breaking is not scheduled for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The event’s cultural significance was further highlighted by a surprise appearance from American rapper Snoop Dogg, who entered the stadium to his hit “Drop it Like it’s Hot,” much to the delight of the crowd. The 17 b-girls competing on Friday received raucous applause, especially those representing France and the United States.
As breaking made its mark on the Olympic stage, the world witnessed the powerful blend of sport, art, and culture that defines this unique dance form. Whether breaking will return to future Olympic Games remains uncertain, but its debut was nothing short of spectacular.