Breakers on eve of Olympics: Ready, Willing, and Extraordinarily Able

Two b-Girls on the Field of Play

If there is one message our Olympians want to send to the world ahead of Breaking’s historic Olympic debut tomorrow it’s: Let’s get the party started!

“I think people around the world are going to learn what Breaking is really all about and what it has to offer – the vibe, the energy,” says B-Boy Jeffro of the United States, one of 33 Breakers set to compete at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

“It’s a party because you have DJs, you have dancers, you have MCs, you have people who are going to provide the vibe. I think everybody watching, especially here in the stands, are going to experience the atmosphere that Breaking brings and it’s just going to be a blessing.”

A full house of 6,000 people will be on hand at the Place de La Concorde in central Paris to witness the action firsthand, with the B-Girls kicking things off on 9 August, followed by the B-Boys on 10 August.

Both days will feature Round Robin action kicking off at 16:00 local time, with the knockout rounds beginning four hours later.

Asked how she’s feeling ahead of what promises to be the biggest moment in her career to date, B-Girl Vanessa (POR) says she’s looking forward to showcasing not only the best of herself but the best of Breaking to the world.

“It’s a dream come true,” she says. “I’m glad I can represent our culture in the best way possible. Breaking will show the world that it’s way more powerful than maybe any other sport.”

Thirty-two of the athletes (16 B-Girls and 16 B-Boys) earned their spots at the Olympic Games during a two-year qualification process that featured over 20 events on all five continents. They will be joined by B-Girl Talash (EOR) of the Olympic Refugee Team, who will go up against B-Girl India (NED) in a Pre-Qualifier Battle to determine who moves on to the Round Robin stage.

“The physical work is done, now [it’s time to] be in the moment – ask yourself what you want to achieve, make a clear plan, and work,” says India, who booked her ticket to Paris 2024 by winning the European Games in 2023.

The favourites to reach the podium include B-Boy Phil Wizard (CAN) and B-Boy Victor (USA) on the men’s side, and Japanese B-Girls Ami and Ayumi on the women’s, but that’s not to say any one of the athletes assembled here in Paris can’t go on to win gold with the right performances.

Regardless of how the final standings pan out, the Olympic experience represents a lifelong dream come true for most of the Breakers and is the ultimate reward for years of hard work and dedication devoted to their craft.

Now only hours away from the start of competition, the countdown clock is well and truly ticking down to party at ground zero.

“I feel really good about it and honoured because now we’re on the forefront, pioneering this new DanceSport,” adds Jeffro. “But I also feel there’s a responsibility for us as individuals because we gotta showcase Breaking in a great light, with all the positive aspects that Hip Hop and Breaking have. Pushing that out and creating opportunities is my goal.”