Japan’s Ami Yuasa won the gold medal at the Olympics’ first-ever breaking competition on Friday, August 9, 2024, by outperforming 16 other dancers in an intense event held at Place de la Concorde. This historic competition, which began in the afternoon and concluded just before 10 p.m., marked a significant moment for hip-hop culture as it made its debut on the Olympic stage. Yuasa triumphed over Dominika Banevič from Lithuania in the final round, securing victory in all three rounds. The event featured intricate dance moves and drew considerable attention as the athleticism and artistic elements of breaking captivated the audience. Despite the electrifying atmosphere, it remains uncertain whether breaking will return for future Olympic Games, as it is not currently included in the program for Los Angeles 2028.

The competition saw a diverse group of participants, including 33 breakers from 15 countries and the Refugee Olympic Team, who showcased their skills in a high-energy display of rhythm and creativity. Judges, all experienced breakers themselves, evaluated the dancers based on their technique, execution, and originality using the Trivium judging system. The competitors had to adjust their performances to the unpredictable soundtrack provided by DJs, adding an element of spontaneity to the event. While the event underscored the physical and artistic demands of breaking, it also highlighted the challenge of bringing hip-hop culture to a wider audience. Despite skepticism from some viewers, the competition successfully demonstrated the legitimacy and dynamism of breaking as a sport.