Breaking Debuts at the Olympics
The Paris Olympics have delivered remarkable records and viral moments.
Talented B-Boys and B-Girls from Japan, the Netherlands, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine were demonstrating their strength, flexibility, and creativity this summer in Paris.
Breaking has evolved into a proper sport, with a fixed set of rules that make for fair competition. Three basic elements make up breaking—top rock, down rock, and freeze.
Top rock refers to all moves that are performed while standing up—generally a combination of stylish hand movements and footwork—whereas freeze is when the breaker comes to a standstill in an unusual position (on their head or hands) in the middle of their routine.
The highlight of each performance is the down rock, which involves all moves done on the floor. It features spins, footwork, transitions and, most importantly, power moves. These gravity-defying, acrobatic movements require superior strength, balance and flexibility.
You have to be incredibly strong to pull off these moves. These athletes have amazing upper body strength, holding their body weight while executing complex routines.
Athletes, or breakers, as they are called, go up against each other in a 1-on-1 battle and take alternate turns, or throw downs, to perform their routines. Each battle consists of two rounds. Judges score the battles on six criteria: creativity, personality, technique, variety, performativity, and musicality. Technique, performativity, and creativity count for 60% of the total score, while variety, musicality, and personality make up the remaining 40%.
Team USA was represented by Victor Montalvo, Jeffrey Louis (AKA B-Boy Jeffro), Logan Edra, and Sunny Choi. Montalvo was the winner of the 2023 WDSF World Breaking Championship.
B-Boy Khalil vs. B-Boy Jeffro during the 2023 World Finals in Paris
Watch United States’ B-Boy Victor break his way to a bronze medal at youtu.be/TlYb0EnrMrw.
Learn more about breaking at olympics.com/en/news/breaking-breakdancing-rules-format-moves.
