Japan Claims First-Ever Women's Breakdancing Gold

Aug 10, 2024 | News On Japan

PARIS, Aug 10, 2024 (News On Japan) - In a historic moment for the sport, AMI, a 25-year-old dancer from the Good Foot Crew, secured the gold medal in the women's breakdancing event, which was newly introduced in this year's competition. This victory crowns her as the first-ever Olympic champion in the event.

AMI, whose real name is Ami Yuasa, has previously won the world championship titles in 2019 and 2022. She advanced smoothly through the preliminary rounds with three straight wins, followed by dominant performances in the quarterfinals and semifinals, earning her spot in the final.

In the final, AMI faced 17-year-old NICKA from Lithuania in a three-round battle. In the first round, AMI showcased seamless footwork and powerful spins. The second round saw her using the space creatively, freezing her moves with precision, drawing applause from the audience. By the third and final round, AMI displayed rapid footwork transitions leading into dynamic spins, sealing her victory with a perfect 3-0 score.

After the battle, AMI reflected on her performance, saying, "I just wanted to enjoy the final and give it my all." She added with a smile, "It still feels surreal; I’m kind of floating right now." Expressing her gratitude, AMI acknowledged the support she received, stating, "The cheers from everyone, the support from my family who came to watch, and the backing of Team Japan really made this possible."

Breakdancing, which originated from the hip-hop culture of New York in the 1970s, is known for its high degree of freedom in performance. In this competition, dancers faced off in one-on-one battles, improvising to music played by a DJ. The judges assessed the performances based on five criteria: technical skill, variety, execution, originality, and musicality.

With this victory, AMI has not only etched her name in history but has also elevated the profile of breakdancing on the global stage.

Source: TBS

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