The End of an Era for Breaking at the Olympics

The Paris Olympics witnessed a groundbreaking moment with the debut of breaking, a sport that combines dance and athleticism to create a unique and thrilling experience for fans. B-boys and b-girls graced the Olympic stage, showcasing their talent and skills to the world. However, this momentous occasion may not be repeated in future Olympic Games, including the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

Breaking will not be part of the lineup of sports for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the chances of it making a comeback in the 2032 Brisbane Games are slim. According to Zack Slusser, vice president of Breaking for Gold USA and USA Dance, the main obstacle is funding. “It was a miracle that we were even in Paris to begin with,” he said. Despite the uncertainty of breaking’s future in the Olympics, the breaking community considers their Olympic debut a significant achievement worthy of celebration.

For breakers from the U.S. and around the world, the exposure and recognition gained from their participation in the Olympics could lead to increased visibility and resources for the breaking community. By attracting stakeholders and financial support, breakers hope to elevate their platform and create a more sustainable future for the sport.

“The amount of exposure to the right people that can bring real change to our community, to our platform to help it grow — it’ll be significant to us. It’ll allow us, for the first time, to find sustainability and help us elevate our platform,” Slusser emphasized. Although the prospect of breaking returning to the Olympic Games is uncertain, the focus is on internal community work and leveraging the current opportunity for growth.

While breaking won’t be featured in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, other new and returning sports will make their debut, including Cricket, Flag football, Baseball and softball, Lacrosse, and Squash. With unique additions like Flag football and squash as first-time Olympic sports, the 2028 Olympics promise to be a diverse and exciting event.

Modern pentathlon underwent changes at the 2028 Olympics, with the horse jumping event being replaced by obstacle course racing to retain its place in the program. Despite challenges, sports like boxing have secured a spot in the Los Angeles Olympics, highlighting the evolving nature of the Olympic Games.

As we bid farewell to breaking’s brief but impactful Olympic journey, we look forward to a new era of sports and competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The Olympic spirit continues to inspire athletes and fans worldwide, uniting us through the power of sport.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.