In what is being hailed as a "powerful moment for hip hop" and a "powerful moment for dance," breaking took center stage on Friday night at the Paris Olympics 2024. The highly anticipated event witnessed Japan's Ami emerge as the winner of a grueling day of dance battles, solidifying her status as a two-time breaking world champion.

Ami faced off against Lithuania's Nicka in a thrilling final, showcasing her exceptional skills and reaffirming her position as a formidable contender in the breaking arena. Despite Nicka's impressive performance, it was Ami who ultimately claimed the gold medal. However, the camaraderie and shared victory were palpable as the Lithuanian silver medalist celebrated with just as much enthusiasm, highlighting the unity and respect among the athletes in this newfound Olympic discipline.

Even before the crowds filled La Concorde, the iconic outdoor arena nestled in the heart of Paris, the atmosphere hinted at something extraordinary unfolding. Break beats reverberated through the streets, energizing the spectators as an MC hyped up the crowd into a frenzy of excitement. Once inside the venue, spectators were treated to an unprecedented spectacle.

A three-sided amphitheater overlooked a small stage where B-Girls battled it out in what marked breaking's inaugural Olympic showing. The electrifying atmosphere and incredible talent on display captivated the all-ages audience. Each technical move was met with uproarious cheers, showcasing the indomitable spirit and passion for the art form.

Shockingly, it was a disappointing outing for Team USA's female competitors, as both failed to advance beyond the round-robin stage, effectively removing their chances of contending for a medal. The result may come as a surprise, considering that breaking originated in the Bronx, New York City. However, the women's competition was fierce and filled with upsets, demonstrating the high level of talent from all nations.

The semifinals further intensified the competition, with Ami outshining the Netherlands' India in a gripping battle, while Nicka overcame China's top-seeded contender, 671. The clash between 671 and Nicka could easily have been mistaken for a final, as both performers executed awe-inspiring power moves and mind-bending "down-rock" sequences that pushed the boundaries of human capability. Ami managed to secure a hard-fought victory over India, with the judges awarding her two rounds to one.

The exhilaration reached its peak during the quarterfinals when Nicka's win sent temporary bleachers shaking, threatening to overshadow the upcoming bronze medal battle. Unfortunately, France's representatives, Carlota and Syssy, couldn't advance beyond the quarterfinals, leaving the home crowd disheartened.

The transformation of Place de la Concorde into a sprawling urban park for the Paris Olympics has allowed breaking, along with skateboarding, BMX, and 3x3 basketball, to showcase their talents. The inclusion of breaking in the Olympics has split opinions within the community, with concerns that the official format may dilute its hip-hop roots. Additionally, the sport's absence from the Los Angeles 2028 Games has raised fears about sustainable funding for professional breakers.

Despite the absence of medals for Team USA, both Sunny and Logistx, who quit their corporate jobs to participate in these historic Games, expressed their delight in being part of this groundbreaking moment. The disappointment among fans about breaking's exclusion from the future Games was evident, as spectators emphasized the uniqueness and creative freedom the sport embodies.

As the curtains closed on the first-ever Olympic breaking event, Ami emerged victorious, securing the gold medal and etching her name in sporting history. With its successful debut, breaking has left an indelible mark on the Olympic stage, captivating audiences with its boundless creativity and showcasing the exceptional talent of its competitors.