Breakdancing has dazzled the world with its explosive energy during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Break dancing is not returning to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics despite its electrifying debut. One seemingly to blame is the Australian break dancer Raygun, who delivered a controversial performance as an Olympic competitor that stunned the world. Her overall dance received a total score of zero. One interesting dance move she included in her performance was the “kangaroo pose.” Regardless of the controversy surrounding her, it’s a misconception that she led to breakdancing being excluded from the 2028 Olympics. If she’s not the reason, then who or what is?
When it was announced that break dancing was added as a new sport to the 2024 Olympics, dancers throughout the world were ecstatic that their chance finally came. One breakdancer, Crumbles Tran, commented, “It’s a big thing for us who are going for that dream. In my time, I never thought we would ever go to the Olympics. It was always a pipe dream.” Witnessing their sport entering the Olympics is a dream for many breakers [break dancers].
(Ami Yuasa [Japan] 2024 Gold Medalist)In the 2024 Olympic Games, breakdancers from over ten countries, such as China, Japan, Italy, France, and the United States, participated this year. Men and women competed in separate categories. During the men’s and women’s competitions finals, Phil “Wizard” Kim from Canada and Ami Yuasa from Japan delivered top-tier performances and secured gold medals for their countries. Kim is known for delivering energetic performances and is creative with his skills. Yuasa is known for her fast-paced footwork and her rhythmic flow. Unfortunately, due to Raygun’s immense popularity, their achievements were overshadowed and not as well recognized.
(Phil “Wizard” Kim [Canada] 2024 Gold Medalist)While breakdancing made a memorable debut at the 2024 Summer Olympics, it sparked excitement and controversy. Although it is extremely popular globally and delivers unique performances, the Los Angeles Olympic Committee chose other sports for the 2028 Games. Los Angeles seems to want to establish new Olympic rules and create their own identity, and breaking does not fit in with their agenda. As a result, breakdancing will not return for a second appearance. With these factors in mind, who knows what the future holds for breakdancing?
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Ayva Ibarrientos (10) is a current Sophomore at Santiago High School, where her favorite classes are journalism and AFJROTC. She has a profound interest in writing and hopes to take AP Language and AP Literature to cultivate her writing skills. She is on the girl's basketball team and hopes to further her sports experience. Her hobbies include drawing, chess, crafting, and volunteering. Ayva has been interested in the medical field since she was younger and is currently studying anatomy in her free time. In JROTC, she is gaining experience in leadership, time management, and communication. Ayva aspires to pursue a career in the Air Force as a doctor to help those in need through the military. You can reach her at [email protected]
