The excitement of the newest sports addition to the list of the 2024 Paris Olympics is bursting through the roof. Breakdancing, or breaking, as named by the IOC, is going to make its official debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This will mark the addition of another “street” sport to the Olympics after skateboarding and surfing.
The move will greatly benefit and motivate breaking enthusiasts globally. Team USA is already girded up to welcome the new sport to the Olympics. In fact, it’s all set to establish itself as its first powerhouse. The massive confidence and optimism shown by the US ride on the shoulders of their top B-girl, Grace “Sunny” Choi. A social media post showcasing the participants to look out for featured Sunny, alongside many international break-stars.
From the national championship to the Olympics
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Sunny is a 33-year-old breaking expert who has dominated the floor at various major competitive events. The Queens resident began her breaking journey back in 2008 while working heavy shifts at her corporate job. Sunny used to be a competitive gymnast in her yesteryears, which later manifested when she fell in love with hip-hop.
The talented breaker then blended her gymnastics skills along with what she learned via rigorous training to exalt herself to the top. Sunny had appeared for an interview with Forbes in 2022.
The US’ top breaking artist was featured in a video shared by The Olympic Games via their X handle. The tweet said, “Just a few of the athletes you will want to be keeping an eye on at the #WorldBreakingChampionships.” The video displayed several breaking artists, with Sunny opening the video.
Just a few of the athletes you will want to be keeping an eye on at the #WorldBreakingChampionships. 😎✨
#RoadToParis2024@DanceSportTotal | @breakingforgold pic.twitter.com/ZrzIEJtNyQ
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) September 21, 2023
In an interview with Forbes, she stated, “Compared to other Olympic sports, one of the unique elements of breaking is that much of what you see is freestyled.” Sunny has won several championships, including Outbreak Europe B-Girl solo battle (2015), FISE Hiroshima, and the 2019 WDSF World Breaking Championships, in China. Sunny is excited to lay claim to a win at the Paris Olympics, where breaking will feature after a successful Youth Olympics campaign.
Breaking to make maiden appearance at the Paris Olympics
Breaking will debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics with two sets of events. The rules have laid down 16 qualification spots for both men and women and will consist of dance duels.
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A total of 16 B-Boys and 16 G-Girls will enter the contest and battle each other out in dance-offs. The objective of the match is to dance to DJ beats and impress the judges who will score the performances.
Participants can use a combination of several styles and perform several power moves from their arsenal. Sunny spoke about the requirements of an electrifying performance while comparing it with gymnastics.
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She said, “But breaking definitely requires more creativity and adaptability, adding an element of difficulty that a sport like gymnastics does not have.” The Paris Olympics now stand just 309 days away. Will USA’s Sunny Choi clinch the first breaking gold medal at the Olympics?
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