Breaking: B-Girl Ami Yuasa Claims Gold at Olympic Debut in Paris

The much-anticipated urban sport of breaking, also known as breakdancing, made its grand debut at the Olympics in Paris. It was an exciting day, especially for Japan’s B-Girl Ami Yuasa, who took home the first-ever gold medal in the women’s category.

Amid the stunning backdrop of Paris’ Place de la Concorde, 17 talented B-Girls faced off in thrilling dance battles. Yuasa showcased her skills against Lithuania’s Dominika Banevic in the final, while China’s Liu Qingyi secured the bronze medal.

Sadly, breaking’s time in the Olympics might be short-lived. It’s already been announced that the sport will not be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Many, including Australian competitor Rachel Gunn, expressed disappointment over this decision, feeling it came too soon.

Despite facing challenges and losing her matches, Gunn radiated positivity. She emphasized the pride she felt in representing breaking on such a prestigious stage, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere in Paris and the creativity involved in her performances.

Adding to the event’s excitement, rapper Snoop Dogg was in attendance, showcasing his own dance moves before the competition kicked off. He wasn’t the only one bringing attention to breaking; Manizha Talash, a competitor from the Refugee Olympic Team, made a powerful statement by wearing a cape that read ‘Free Afghan Women’ during her battle.

Throughout the competition, the B-Girls were judged on various criteria, including creativity, technique, and musicality, while they performed to the beats of live DJs and engaged the crowd with their unique moves.

Gunn, who was fully aware of her limitations in comparison to her younger and more athletic competitors, decided to focus on her strength: creativity. She expressed her desire to bring something different and artistic to the competition.

While breaking is feeling the weight of uncertainty for the future, current champion Ami Yuasa celebrated her victory, noting that breaking is not just a sport but also a form of artistic expression. As the Olympics showcased this exciting culture, many hope it finds a lasting place in global competitions.

Meanwhile, attention now shifts to the men’s breaking competition set for tomorrow, where Australian B-boy Jeff Dunne, known as ‘J Attack’, will be in the mix.