In a groundbreaking development for the world of breaking, 80 elite breakers have earned their spots to compete in the Olympic Qualifier Series, vying for a chance to participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics. These dancers will battle it out for 14 coveted quotas, with the top seven B-Boys and top seven B-Girls making history as they qualify for the Olympic debut of breaking.
The Path to Paris
The World Dance Sport Federation confirmed the names of the competing athletes on January 26, 2024. These 80 athletes will bring their unique styles and moves to the Olympic Qualifier Series, an event that promises to be one of the most electrifying in the 2024 sporting calendar. Held across two vibrant urban locations—Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, and Budapest, Hungary—this series will see athletes from BMX freestyle, breaking, skateboarding, and sport climbing compete side-by-side.
The Shanghai event will take place at the picturesque Huangpu Riverside from May 16 to 19, 2024, while Budapest will host the breakers at the Ludovika Campus from June 20 to 23, 2024.
The Competitors
The stakes are high as 40 B-Boys and 40 B-Girls from around the globe prepare for their final chance to secure a spot at Paris 2024. Here are some of the standout names and nations represented:
- France: B-Girl Syssy, known for her dynamic and powerful performances.
- United Kingdom: B-Boy Sunni and B-Boy Kid Karam, who have already made history by being the first breakers to represent Team GB at the European Games in Krakow.
These athletes will showcase their skills and battle through intense rounds, with only the top performers securing their place in Olympic history.
View this post on Instagram
The Olympic Dream
National Olympic Committees (NOCs) hold the exclusive authority to select which athletes will represent their countries at the Olympic Games. This means that even after securing a quota, breakers must be chosen by their respective NOCs to compete in Paris. The journey is arduous, but the rewards are unprecedented as breaking makes its Olympic debut.
British Breakers Making Strides
British breakers B-Boy Sunni and B-Boy Kid Karam have already showcased their talent on the international stage. Competing at the European Games in Krakow, Kid Karam advanced to the quarter-finals, where he faced the formidable B-Boy Menno from the Netherlands. This event marked a significant milestone for British breakers, heralding a new era for Team GB in the world of breaking.
The series not only highlights the incredible athleticism and artistry of breaking but also marks a historic moment for the sport and its athletes.
The Olympic Qualifier Series in Shanghai and Budapest delivered thrilling performances, intense competition, and a glimpse into the future of breaking on the world’s biggest sporting stage. Fans and supporters will be watching closely, ready to cheer on their favorite breakers as they dance their way into Olympic history.
