The Paris Summer Olympic Games of 2024 saw the debut of breaking as a competitive sport, with B-girl Sunny Choi representing the United States. Despite failing to advance past the round robin stage, Choi and her teammates embraced the opportunity to showcase breaking on a global stage. The art form, once considered a street dance from the Bronx, has evolved into a highly refined athletic discipline. While some questioned breaking’s inclusion in the Olympics, others saw it as an opportunity to honor its roots in Black and Latino communities.
Choi emphasized the importance of joy and community in breaking, choosing to prioritize her own happiness over pleasing judges. The U.S. team, carrying the legacy of hip-hop culture, aimed to show how breaking has progressed over the last 50 years. Competitor Logan “Logistx” Edra, who narrowly missed advancing, spoke passionately about the positive impact of breaking on the world.
Despite breaking being excluded from the 2028 Games, participants hope that their exposure at the Olympics will lead to more funding for nonprofits and schools. Choi, who will open a dance center in New York, envisions a future where breaking can inspire children from all backgrounds. As she reflected on her Olympic experience, Choi found the most meaningful moments in the support of her young nieces, who watched her with pride from the sidelines.
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Photo credit www.latimes.com
