Breaking’s Olympic Debut and Future Vision: Interview with Martin Gilian and Max Oliveira on the Path Forward for Breaking in WDSF

Warsaw, Poland, October 28, 2024 — In the wake of the WDSF Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Forum, Martin Gilian, known in the Breaking world as MG and João Mário Oliveira, also known as Max Momentum, offered their reflections on Breaking’s Olympic debut, the discipline's development within the WDSF, and the projected path to inspire future generations of breakers. In addition to their primary role within the WDSF Breaking Core Group, both MG and Max hold multiple key positions that are instrumental to Breaking’s growth and global outreach. MG oversees WDSF Breaking for Gold’s social media initiatives and served as Head Judge during Breaking's historic debut at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Max, meanwhile, has frequently taken on the role of MC at major Breaking for Gold events, including both Olympic Qualifier Series and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, while also serving as Chairperson at numerous other competitions.

Olympic Reflection

As Breaking’s Olympic debut was discussed during the Forum and the AGM, how do you feel it was received, and what were the most surprising reactions?

"I think the summary of Breaking at the Olympics was incredibly well captured," said MG. "We shared a range of statistics and an outpouring of emotions. From my interaction with Max, we could see that people were especially impressed by the numbers—Breaking’s reach, media exposure, the energy at the event, and the breakers’ performance. Overall, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive and demonstrated a real impact."

Echoing MG’s sentiments, Max highlighted the extraordinary response Breaking received at the Olympics. “In my view, Breaking was perceived as nothing short of exceptional. It caught many by surprise, including various institutions, as it showed that Breaking transcends being just a sport; it is a spectacle, an art form that captivates audiences. What truly stood out were the reactions from people wanting to be part of the Breaking culture. Many are now eager to explore new concepts and platforms, further fueling the discipline’s growth.”

Breaking’s Future

Now that Breaking has been fully integrated into WDSF’s programs, what are the next steps to ensure its continued success beyond the Paris Olympics, especially in light of AGM discussions?

"We’re definitely continuing with events for adult athletes, with the upcoming World Games requiring qualification rounds," MG explained. "But the focus now expands to building a solid platform for youth. With the Youth Olympic Games approaching in 2026, we’re excited about youth qualifiers and other programs. It’s an exceptional opportunity to build on the success in Paris by integrating a robust youth platform alongside adult competitions.”

Adding to this vision, Max underscored the importance of expanding Breaking’s presence across various competitions. “The future of Breaking is promising. We’ll keep advancing with innovative formats like team battles, which we implemented successfully in Portugal and plan to expand in 2025. Major events such as the World Series and World Championships remain pivotal, but so do educational opportunities. We’re committed to supporting National Member Bodies (NMBs) with courses and congresses for coaching and judging. And with Breaking’s anticipated impact at the Youth Olympic Games, I’m confident that further positive developments will arise leading into Brisbane 2032. It’s essential to seize all opportunities, from confirmed games to sports festivals, ensuring we’re ready to showcase Breaking at its best.”

Inspiring Future Generations

Based on the AGM discussions, how do you plan to inspire the next generation of B-Boys and B-Girls after the success at Paris 2024?

"Creating events for youth is critical," MG emphasized. "The World Youth Championship in China showed us how eager young athletes are to demonstrate their skills. They’re ready, and they need a stage to perform. WDSF is in a unique position to provide this platform, which will undoubtedly be embraced by the youth community, coaches, and countries alike. This is just the beginning of an inspiring journey toward the Youth Olympic Games and hopefully the Olympic Games in Brisbane in 2032.”

Max expressed his optimism about the next generation, emphasizing the outstanding level demonstrated at recent youth competitions. “The Youth World Championships in Wuxi, China, revealed remarkable talent among young breakers, with over 200 participants showcasing exceptional skills. The future looks bright and powerful, and I believe each generation will outshine the last. Young breakers should see this as a professional pathway that offers opportunities to travel, earn prize money, secure sponsorships, and—most importantly—pursue what they love. My message to them is to believe in the power of Breaking, work hard, and trust that the results will follow.”

Acknowledgements

WDSF President Shawn Tay extended his gratitude to Martin Gilian and Max Oliveira, along with the entire Breaking team, recognizing their dedication to advancing Breaking within the WDSF and on the Olympic stage. “Their commitment and vision have made an indelible mark, and I look forward to seeing Breaking continue to inspire a new generation of athletes worldwide,” Tay remarked.

Watch again the WDSF AGM 2024

We invite everyone to watch the complete session recording of the AGM 2024, available on our YouTube channel and Facebook page. Stay connected with us on all WDSF social media platforms for real-time news and highlights.

• Instagram: WDSF DanceSport
• YouTube: DanceSportTotal
• Facebook: WDSF DanceSport
• TikTok: WDSF DanceSport

Published on 28 October 2024