By Paris, France – Canadian b-boy Phil Wizard (real name Philip Kim) etched his name in history by winning the gold medal in the first-ever Olympic men’s breaking competition on Saturday. The 27-year-old, visibly emotional, struggled to hold back tears as he reflected on his remarkable journey to the top of the podium.
“I never thought I’d be here in my life,” Kim said, wiping away tears. The path to Olympic glory had been anything but easy for him. He admitted to enduring several sleepless nights, “tossing and turning,” as the weight of the competition and the desire to succeed took its toll. “I cried yesterday because I was so scared to do this, and I’m just happy. I’m just happy,” he added, his voice trembling with a mix of relief and joy.
In a fierce and electrifying competition, hometown favorite French b-boy Dany Dann (Danis Civil) claimed the silver medal, much to the delight of the Parisian crowd.
The atmosphere inside the venue was electric as Dany Dann took the stage for each round, greeted by thunderous applause and chants of “Dany! Dany!” with every move he landed.
Dany’s quick and quirky style, infused with powerful moves, captivated both the audience and the judges, securing his place as one of the top breakers in the world.
American b-boy Victor (Victor Montalvo) rounded out the podium, earning the bronze medal after an intense battle against Japan’s b-boy Shigekix (Shigeyuki Nakarai).
The competition was fierce, with each dancer bringing their unique flavor and skills to the floor, making the judges’ decisions incredibly tough. These Olympic medals might be the last for breaking, at least for some time, as the dance form is not currently included in the lineup of sports for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Dany Dann, often referred to as a “local hero,” brought the house down with his vibrant personality and showmanship.
As the emcees hyped up the crowd before each of his performances, Dany Dann did not disappoint, executing moves that had the audience on their feet. His energy and connection with the crowd were palpable, making him a fan favorite throughout the competition.
Phil Wizard’s victory was not just about the moves—it was also about the spontaneity and creativity that defined his performance. “It’s my spontaneity,” Kim said when asked what set him apart from the competition. “I just go up there and whatever the music dictates me to do, I do. And I think because of that, I can create some magic moments.”
The final rounds of the competition were intense, as the best b-boys in the world faced off in battles that tested not only their skills but their endurance and creativity.
Each round saw the dancers pushing their limits, exchanging hugs and pats on the back after each battle, highlighting the camaraderie that exists within the breaking community.
The energy in the venue was unlike any other Olympic event, with the competition feeling more like a global celebration of hip-hop culture than a traditional sports event.
As the competition drew to a close, the sense of unity among the dancers was clear. “We’re all in this together,” said Montalvo, reflecting on the shared experience of competing on such a grand stage. “This is the Olympics and everyone’s watching. You know, different people that have never seen breaking, and it’s just dope seeing everyone up, like, ‘yeah, let’s go!’ Each and everyone who is here, we all bring our flavor and the crowd to see that… A win—it’s just a blessing.”
The historic significance of this event, being the first time breaking was included in the Olympics, added to the emotion and intensity felt by both the competitors and the audience.
As the medalists stood on the podium, it was clear that they had not only made history but had also showcased the global appeal and artistic depth of breaking.
apnews.com
