WITH Breaking making its debut in the Olympic Games, founder of the St Helens-based UC Crew has given us the lowdown with the action due to get underway today. 

 

How Did Breaking Become an Olympic Sport?

The host nation of the Olympics has the privilege to choose four additional sports to include in the regular roster. These choices are typically made to cater to local interests, target specific demographics, or raise awareness of certain activities. For the Paris 2024 Olympics, the chosen sports are Breaking, Skateboarding, Sport Climbing, and Surfing.

Is Breaking a Sport or a Dance?

Breaking is a unique blend of sport, dance, and culture that originated in the late 1970s. The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) submitted Breaking to the Olympic Committee following its high viewership at the Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games in 2018. This recognition as a sport led to its inclusion in the Olympic Games.

UC Crew at St Helens town hallUC Crew at St Helens town hall (Image: Submitted)

How Were the Breakers Chosen, and Why Isn’t Great Britain Competing?

Breakers from over 100 countries have been competing globally to earn points for the Olympic Qualifiers tournaments held in 2023. Those who qualified had the chance to compete in eight tournaments against the world’s best. Winners secured their Olympic spots, while others were selected based on high scores, host nation spots, and universality places, forming a top 18 list. Unfortunately, Sunni Brummitt and Karam Singh from Great Britain narrowly missed out on making the top 18.

How is Breaking Judged and Scored?

Breaking Battles (1 vs. 1) are judged by nine judges, similar to gymnastics but with a competitive element akin to judo or boxing. Judges score Breakers on five criteria using electronic tablets in real-time:

  • Vocabulary: Quantity of moves, style, move types, and variations.
  • Technique: Athleticism and body control during moves.
  • Originality: Personality, creativity, and spontaneity in battles.
  • Musicality: How well they move to the beat and music.
  • Execution: Performance quality with minimal slips or falls.

The competition starts with a 16-person round-robin tournament. The B-Boys and B-Girls with the most points advance to a 1 vs. 1 knockout tournament.

Breaking Terminology to Know:

  • Top Rock: The standing-up aspect of Breaking, usually at the start of a battle.
  • Drops: Movements to get from standing to the floor.
  • Footwork: Ground movements, often on hands and feet, in various directions.
  • Power Moves: Momentum-based spins, e.g., backspins, windmills, headspins.
  • Tricks: Kicks, jumps, and pushes, e.g., backflips, handhops, handsprings.
  • Freezes: Strength-based holds, e.g., handstands or headstands.

Future of Breaking in the Olympics

Breaking will not be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which will feature Baseball, Cricket T20, Flag Football, Squash, and Lacrosse. However, Breaking will return for the Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal in 2026. Australia, the host for the 2032 Olympics, has not yet chosen their additional sports.

UC Crew at St Helens town hallUC Crew at St Helens town hall (Image: Submitted)

What to Expect at the Competition?

The Breaking events will be energetic and thrilling, perfect for both new fans and long-time enthusiasts. Expect to see DJs, competitors, and a vibrant culture coming together for a spectacular show. For a preview, check out this Qualifiers Highlight reel: Qualifiers Highlight.

Competition Schedule:

  • B-Girls Competition: August 9, 3:00-8:00 PM
  • B-Boys Competition: August 9, 3:00-8:30 PM

Inspired by the Games?

If you’re inspired by the Olympics, Breaking classes are available in St Helens, Liverpool, and Warrington. For more information, contact Tom Glynn at hello@poweredbyhiphop.org or visit Powered by Hip Hop.

Enjoy the debut of Breaking at the Paris 2024 Olympics!