Will Breakdancing Be In The 2028 Olympics?

Breaking will not be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, despite its debut at the 2024 Paris Games, as organizers chose other sports for the program.

Key Takeaways

• Breaking will not be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
• The sport made its Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris Games
• LA28 organizers chose to add cricket, flag football, baseball/softball, lacrosse, and squash instead
• Breaking’s future at the Olympics remains uncertain, with hopes for inclusion in Brisbane 2032

Breaking’s Olympic Journey: A One-Time Affair?

Breaking, also known as breakdancing, made its historic Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris Games, captivating audiences with its dynamic moves and youthful energy. However, the excitement surrounding this urban dance sport’s inclusion in the Olympic program may be short-lived, as it faces an uncertain future in the world’s biggest sporting event.

No Breaking at LA 2028

Despite its successful introduction in Paris, breaking will not be featured at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This decision has left many fans and athletes disappointed, especially considering the sport’s roots in American street culture.

The LA28 organizing committee, which has the authority to propose new sports for their Games, opted for a different lineup of additional events. Their choices reflect a mix of returning favorites and new additions to the Olympic program:

1. Cricket (last featured in 1900)
2. Flag football (Olympic debut)
3. Baseball and softball (returning after being dropped post-2008)
4. Lacrosse (last featured in 1908)
5. Squash (Olympic debut)

Factors Influencing the Decision

Several factors likely influenced the decision to exclude breaking from the LA28 program:

1. Limited spots: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) caps the number of sports and athletes at the Games, forcing organizers to make tough choices.
2. Local preferences: Host cities often prioritize sports with strong local followings or cultural significance.
3. Global appeal: The selected sports may have been deemed to have broader international appeal or participation.
4. Commercial considerations: Potential revenue generation and sponsorship opportunities play a role in sport selection.

Breaking’s Olympic Impact

While its Olympic future remains uncertain, breaking’s inclusion in Paris 2024 has already made a significant impact:

• Increased visibility: The sport gained unprecedented global exposure.
• Legitimacy: Olympic recognition has helped validate breaking as a serious athletic pursuit.
• Community growth: Interest in breaking has surged, potentially leading to more participants and resources.

Looking Ahead: Brisbane 2032 and Beyond

The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF), breaking’s governing body, hasn’t given up hope for future Olympic inclusion. They’ve already begun campaigning for the sport’s return at the 2032 Brisbane Games.

WDSF President Shawn Tay expressed optimism, stating, “Initial reactions from all participants to the breaking presentations, including Brisbane officials at the Australian Olympic Committee’s one year to go to Paris 2024 celebrations, have been highly optimistic about our chances of being added to these Games.”

The Path Forward

For breaking to secure a spot in future Olympics, several factors will be crucial:

1. Continued growth: Demonstrating increased global participation and fan interest.
2. Successful execution: A well-received showing in Paris 2024 could bolster the sport’s case.
3. Advocacy: Continued lobbying efforts by the WDSF and national federations.
4. Adaptability: Willingness to modify competition formats or rules to better fit the Olympic model.

The Athlete Perspective

Despite the disappointment of breaking’s exclusion from LA28, many athletes remain focused on the present opportunity. Victor Montalvo, a top-ranked American breaker, shared his thoughts: “I’m just focused on the Paris 2024 Olympics. For us, it was shocking that we were even in the Olympics because we never expected it at all. So we’re just appreciative.”

This attitude reflects the breaking community’s resilience and determination to make the most of their Olympic moment, regardless of what the future holds.

While breaking won’t grace the Olympic stage in Los Angeles 2028, its journey in the world of international sports is far from over. The sport’s debut in Paris 2024 marks a significant milestone, and its impact will continue to resonate within the breaking community and beyond. As the Olympic movement evolves, there’s always the possibility that this dynamic and culturally rich sport will find its way back into the Games in the years to come.

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