Ami Yuasa from Japan made history by winning the first-ever Olympic breaking competition, held at Place de la Concorde, Paris, on Friday, August 9, 2024. Competing against 16 other dancers, Yuasa emerged victorious after defeating Lithuania’s Dominika Banevič in the final round. The competition, which began in the afternoon and ended just before 10 p.m., was a milestone for hip-hop culture, as it was the first time breaking appeared on the Olympic stage. The event was intense, with intricate dance moves showcasing both athleticism and artistry, captivating the audience. However, it remains uncertain whether breaking will be included in future Olympic Games, as it is not part of the program for Los Angeles 2028.

The event featured 33 dancers from 15 countries, including members of the Refugee Olympic Team, who displayed their skills in an energetic and creative competition. The judges, all experienced breakers, used the Trivium judging system to assess the dancers on technique, execution, and originality. Competitors had to adapt to an unpredictable soundtrack provided by DJs, adding spontaneity to their performances. The competition highlighted the physical and artistic demands of breaking and the challenge of introducing hip-hop culture to a broader audience. Despite some skepticism, the event successfully demonstrated breaking’s legitimacy and vibrancy as a sport.