For many of us, the closest we get to live breakdancing is the ill-advised worm attempt at 2.30am on the nightclub floor. However, the elite side of the sport demonstrates an incredible combination of athleticism and technical ability that has been largely unrecognised at major multi-sport events.
The 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires provided a test stage, with the 3 breakdancing events drawing impressive crowds of over 30,000 each day. At Paris 2024, 16 boys and 16 girls will take part.
Shawn Tay, president of the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) said “Today is a historic occasion, not only for b-boys and b-girls but for all dancers around the world.
“It was a true team effort to get to this moment and we will redouble our efforts in the lead-up to the Olympic Games to make sure the breaking competition at Paris 2024 will be unforgettable.”
In addition to breakdancing, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) also announced that surfing, skateboarding, and sport climbing will also debut place in Paris. The move is part of an effort to help ensure that younger audiences are attracted to the Olympics.
Whilst Paris 2024 remains some way off, the Tokyo Olympic games in summer 2021 continues preparations and IOC president Thomas Back confirmed he is “very, very confident” that spectators will be able to attend the event.