Olympic Breaking's Debut Draws Mixed Reactions

The 2024 Olympics in Paris marked the long-awaited debut of breaking, known widely as breakdancing, as an Olympic sport. On Aug. 9 and 10, some of the world's best breakers will gather in the Place de la Concorde to show off their skills and compete for Olympic gold, silver, and bronze.

Snoop Dogg , who has been in Paris covering the Games for NBC , opened the competition on Aug. 9. The hit-making rapper enjoyed watching the women's competition, as did many fans around the world.

"I love Olympic breakdancing and I don’t care who knows it. This rules," one fan wrote on X.

"I’m digging it," another fan said. "As someone who was 11 years old when [The Sugarhill Gang's] 'Rapper's Delight' came out, I can’t believe breaking is in the Olympics."

"I’m really digging the breaking competition in the Olympics so far," another chimed in.

Australian b-girl Raygun, who received 0 points from the judges in all three of her preliminary battles, went viral for her performance in the competition.

"There has not been an Olympic performance this dominant since Usain Bolt’s 100-meter sprint at Beijing in 2008. Honestly, the moment Raygun broke out her kangaroo move this competition was over! Give her the breakdancing gold," one person quipped.

"Me as a worm trying to get my girlfriend’s attention to see if she still loves me," another viewer said of the moves.

"My 2-year-old when I try to change his diaper," another said.

"Now the sprinkler is a part of breakdancing," another fan joked.

"NHL goalies when they don’t know where the puck is," another said.

The historic day also included Manizha Talash of Afghanistan, competing for the Refugee Olympic Team, who went to the Games as Afghanistan's first female breaker. During her final round, Talash revealed a cape saying "Free Afghan women," resulting in her disqualification due to "displaying a political slogan on her attire," per USA Today .

In the end, Ami Yuasa of Japan took home the gold, Dominika Banevič of Lithuania won silver, and Liu Qingyi of China winning gold.

Men's breaking is set to take place Aug. 10 in the Place de la Concorde.