Producer Statik Selektah recently shared possibly the most balanced response we’ve seen yet in the wake of breakdancing’s first Olympic inclusion.
“Just my two cents: the most American shit ever is how y’all keep posting the girl from Australia that just wasn’t good at breaking, but y’all don’t post any of the amazing girls that killed her yesterday or today,” Selektah said via Instagram video. “Shout out to all the b-boys and b-girls.”
Breaking made its debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics, aiming to attract younger audiences and showcase its blend of athleticism and artistry.
The competition featured standout performances from around the world. In the men’s event, Victor Montalvo secured a bronze medal for the United States, behind Canada’s Philip Kim (gold) and France’s Danis Civil (silver).
Japan’s Ami Yuasa won gold in the women’s competition, defeating Lithuania’s Dominika Banevič in the final. China’s Liu Qingyi took bronze.
Despite these achievements, media attention focused heavily on Australian contestant b-girl Raygun, whose performance received low scores. This coverage sparked discussions about cultural representation and authenticity in breaking.
Critics argued that the focus on Raygun’s routine overshadowed more skilled performances and raised questions about the sport’s portrayal on the Olympic stage.
The controversy highlighted broader concerns about breaking’s inclusion in the Olympics. Some purists worry that the global platform might dilute the sport’s cultural roots.
Selektah’s comments reflect a growing sentiment within the hip-hop community. “Breaking is in the Olympics. That’s hip-hop, but y’all want to spread the wack shit,” he added. “You’d rather spread the negative shit than the dope shit.”
Despite its successful debut, breaking will not be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The local organizing committee has prioritized other sports like baseball, softball, and cricket.
