Australian breakdancers are determined to make their mark at the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, aiming to redefine the sport's image and secure its place on the global stage. This weekend's World Dancesport Federation competition is a crucial step in that direction, with nearly 200 breakdancers from 33 countries showcasing their skills inside the prestigious Brisbane City Hall.
Among the talented competitors is a group of Australian athletes who want to move beyond the shadow cast by Raygun, the Australian representative at the last Games, who failed to score any points in her three bouts in Paris. Benji Cogdell-Baird, known internationally as Benmx, emphasizes the depth of breakdancing, stating, 'There's so much more to breaking than what was showcased.'
The 18-year-old's passion for the sport began when his family moved to Queensland from South Australia when he was seven. A challenging period followed, as his brother suffered a cardiac arrest. Cogdell-Baird's parents enrolled him in breakdancing to help him cope with the stress. He describes the experience as 'explosive and powerful,' instantly falling in love with the art form.
The teenager from the Gold Coast hopes to ignite a similar passion in Australians, as he believes breakdancing is not 'too exposed' in his home country. He says, 'I'd like to show the world that it's an entertaining sport like no other. When was the last time you saw someone spinning on their head?'
The Australian breakdancing community has been associated with one notable performer, Raygun, who represented Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, general secretary of DanceSport Australia, Luke Brown, believes it's time for other athletes to shine. He states, 'We're moving forward, showcasing the diverse personalities and styles of our athletes.'
Professional breaker J-Attack, or Jeff Dunne, had the honor of representing Australia at the Paris Games. He expresses his gratitude, saying, 'Just being able to represent Australia at one of the highest sporting events is an honor and a privilege.' Dunne is optimistic about the future, hoping that breakdancing can reach a similar global audience in Brisbane in six years.
Guo Pu, a 17-year-old from China ranked number one in world youth under the stage name B-Girl Royal, highlights the global appeal of breakdancing. She says, 'We don't see a big difference in communities because we're all dancing for our love of this sport and art form. We hope to invite more people to experience and appreciate breaking.'
DanceSport Australia reports a growing interest in breakdancing, with an increase in participation and registrations worldwide, including Australia. The sport is vying for inclusion in the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic programs, with the decision to be made by the international committees later this year.
President of the World DanceSport Federation, Shawn Tay, views the Brisbane competition as a positive sign of Australia's interest in global breakdancing. He states, 'This event is crucial before the Olympic Games Committee decides on new sports for Brisbane 2032. Our top athletes, including young world champions, are here to showcase their skills.'
