Breaking makes its debut in Olympics 2024. Meet break dancers whose performances are viral

Australia's Rachael Gunn, known as Raygun competes in the Women's Breaking dance Round robin of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at La Concorde in Paris. (Image credit: AFP)

Breaking, popularly called “breakdancing,” has been added to the Olympic programme for the first time, and ever since the sport made its Olympic debut at Paris 2024, videos of some of the outstanding performances have gone viral on social media.

Breaking is quite unlike the other sports in this historic championship. It is a style of dance which began in the US in the 1970s. It took form in lively block parties in the Bronx, emerging from hip-hop culture, and is characterised by acrobatic movements, stylised footwork and the key role played by the DJ and the master of ceremonies (MC) during battles. It broke ground on New York’s streets as one of hip-hop culture’s four elements, along with rapping, graffiti, and DJ-ing.

Being part of the Olympics 2024 has lent it an international stage unlike ever before.

Some of the international break dancers making waves after their performance at the Paris Olympics include Rachael “Raygun” Gunn from Australia. The 36-year-old -- who has a PhD in cultural movement and a bachelor's degree in contemporary music -- convinced the  Australian government to pay for her trip to the Olympics and ended up scoring 0 points. She also broke out a move called “the kangaroo,” paying homage to Australia’s national animal.

Gunn, however, was mocked for her viral performance and uniform. The Olympian wore a green and yellow tracksuit and a hat while her opponents opted for casual streetwear.

Aussie break dancer Rachael 'Raygun' Gunn has to be trolling the entire world#Olympics #raygun #Paris2024#breaking #breakdancing #aussie #Australia pic.twitter.com/tiCz6UVCJh

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— immutable truth (@ImmutabullTruth) August 10, 2024

But Gunn hit back at critics with a post on Instagram. “Looking forward to the same level of scrutiny on what the b-boys wear tomorrow,” she wrote on Friday.

Another breaking Olympian who made waves is refugee athlete Manizha Talash. The Afghan, who was competing for the Refugee Olympic Team as B-Girl Talash was disqualified for displaying the words "free Afghan women" emblazoned in large letters on a cape she wore during her Olympic breaking battle in Paris.

Afghan women, bearing the brunt of Taliban tyranny, show incredible resilience. Manizha Talash’s Olympic debut, marked by her cape and a powerful statement, symbolizes hope amid personal loss and Taliban threats.

Free Afghan Women

pic.twitter.com/6BAjmoIYa4

— Habib Khan (@HabibKhanT) August 9, 2024

Political statements and slogans are banned on the field of play at the Olympics.

"I wanted to show people what is possible," the BBC quoted her as saying. Originally from Kabul, Talash lives in Spain and is one of 37 athletes competing for the refugee team.

She fled Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power in 2021 and effectively banned music and dancing, and barred females from classrooms and gyms.