Canadian Phil Wizard won the first Olympic gold medal in men’s breaking at Paris 2024, defeating France’s Dany Dann in the final. Wizard achieved a 3-0 victory, adding another title to his impressive career, which includes world and continental championships. He emphasized the importance of performance over rankings, as breaking is not included in the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Phil Wizard of Canada has made history by winning the inaugural Olympic gold medal in men’s breaking at the Paris 2024 Games. He achieved this remarkable feat on August 10, 2024, by defeating France’s Dany Dann in a decisive 3-0 victory. This win culminates Wizard’s illustrious career of championships, marking a significant milestone as he becomes the first B-Boy Olympic champion.

Having secured both world and continental championships prior, Wizard triumphed over the home favorite at La Concorde, adding an Olympic title to his accolades. With breaking not included in the Los Angeles 2028 Games, he stands as a unique figure in the sport for the foreseeable future. “I never thought I would be here,” Wizard expressed while reflecting on his unexpected journey to Olympic glory.

The semi-finals featured some of the top B-Boys globally, including world champion Victor from the USA and Asia champion Shigekix from Japan. Wizard’s path to the final was challenging, particularly his quarter-final against Lee, whom he considers a highly gifted B-Boy. Ultimately, Wizard prevailed to face Dann, showcasing his impressive skills and overcoming the supportive crowd in his final match.

Throughout the competition, Wizard emphasized the significance of performance consistency over rankings. He acknowledged the pressure leading up to the event, noting that viewer expectations were high due to his previous accolades. However, he focused on enjoying the moment and celebrating the sport of breaking rather than just personal achievements, stating, “I’m just kind of over the moon right now. I’m still processing.”

The addition of breaking to the Olympic program marks a significant evolution in competitive dance sports. This unique discipline combines elements of athleticism, creativity, and musicality, representing a broader acceptance of street culture and youth-oriented sports in traditional athletic contexts. As the first men’s breaking event concluded in Paris 2024, it highlights both the global appeal and the personal triumphs of athletes like Phil Wizard, who have worked tirelessly to elevate the sport to Olympic heights.

Phil Wizard’s victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a landmark moment for both the athlete and the sport of breaking. His winning performance not only solidifies his status among the elite B-Boys globally but also serves to inspire future generations within competitive dance. The essence of the competition lies in the celebration of creativity and athleticism, further establishing breaking’s role in the Olympic family of sports.

Original Source: www.olympics.com

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