If you watched this summer’s Paris Olympic Games, you may have been surprised to see the Breakdancing athletes known as breakers acrobatically whirling on the dance floor. Astonishingly, Breakdancing made its historic debut at the Olympics this summer and included many memorable moments. Eager sports fans worldwide were curious to see how a unique sport like Breakdancing would pan out in the world’s most prestigious lineup of athletic events. Breakdancing endorses a sense of community or sportsmanship and the Olympic breakers this year did their best to put on a show for the audience. Sadly, despite its supposed success, this might have been the first and last appearance of breakdancing in the Olympics. To honor Breakdancing’s momentous appearance, here are some of its most popular athletes and their impact on the event.
Rachel “Raygun” Gunn
While she may not have earned a podium finish in the Breakdancing tournament, Raygun established herself as one of the more unforgettable performances in Olympic Breakdancing using her radical and unorthodox set of dance moves. Ranging from vivid moves such as “The Kangaroo”, “The Sprinkler” and “Helicopter Arms”, Raygun’s puzzling performance led to ridicule on behalf of the viewers. From the moment she stepped foot on the dance stage, Raygun gained mass amounts of popularity through social media. Despite her fame, Raygun also caused a wave of controversy throughout the sports world, where fans questioned the level at which the Olympic Breakdancing athletes competed. Rachel “Raygun” Gunn’s performance may have been memorable but could have contributed to Breakdancing’s removal from future Olympic Games.
Phil “Wizard” Kim
The Canadian breakdancer, Phil “Wizard” Kim exhibits a creative and fast-paced style that led him to an Olympic Gold Medal over French breaker Danny Dann in the B-Boys division for Breakdancing. Accompanied by his passion for breakdancing, Phil “Wizard” clearly lives up to his nickname and casts a spell that captivates the audience’s attention. Unlike many of the breakers eliminated in the first rounds of the competition, Phil “Wizard” exemplifies the qualities of an experienced, high-level breakdancer. In summary, Phil “Wizard”’s sportsmanship and enthralling technique make him a fun breaker to watch.
Ami Yuasa
Ami Yuasa, the 25-year-old Olympic gold Medalist for Japan, has turned into a highly esteemed breakdancing idol around the world. Distinguished through her clean and polished technique, Ami Yuasa’s ability to weave between dance moves shone in her Gold Medal bout against Lithuanian breaker, Dominika Banevič. Skillful yet musically intelligent, Ami Yuasa also displays her ability to match each move to the beat of the music. Ami Yuasa’s hard work and dedication paid off now that she is officially part of Olympic history as the first B-Girl’s Breakdancing Gold Medalist.
Breakdancing entered the Olympics and breakers exemplified sportsmanship and emotion. Passionate breakdancers worldwide came to Paris to compete for a medal at the Olympics, dancing their hearts out. With undeniably passionate athletes such as Ami Yuasa, and Phil “Wizard” or unique breakers such as Rachel “Raygun” Gunn, Breakdancing introduced a diverse yet unified culture. Although it was a valiant effort to expand the Olympics’ influence to a different community, Breakdancing’s spot at the Olympics didn’t turn out to be a good fit.