The Paris 2024 Olympics will mark the debut of breaking, also known as breakdancing, as an official Olympic sport. Among the athletes stepping into the spotlight are Moroccan competitors Bilal Mallakh, also known as “B-Boy Billy,” and Fatima El-Mamouny. They are the only African participants in this new Olympic discipline.
Mallakh and El-Mamouny earned their spots at the Olympics by winning the inaugural World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) African Championship in Rabat in May 2023. Their victories secured their places not only for themselves but also for the entire African continent.
The rise of 20-year-old Bilal Mallakh, who was discovered by coach Rachid “Roshdi” Boutini just a month before the African qualifiers, underscores the dynamic nature of breaking. Mallakh’s rapid ascent reflects the sport’s decentralized growth. He views his Olympic participation as a significant opportunity for growth and believes that the sport’s inclusion in the Games is crucial for its recognition in Morocco.
In contrast, 23-year-old Fatima El-Mamouny brings extensive international experience to the Olympic stage. She approaches the challenge with determination, embracing both the stress and excitement of the competition.
Coach Boutini praised Mallakh’s dedication, stating, “He has the spirit of sacrifice, learning, and trust, which makes a champion.” He is focused on refining Mallakh’s style and character for the international stage. Mallakh describes breaking as a blend of physical effort and artistic expression, emphasizing, “It’s not just dancing; it’s about managing stress and occupying the stage.” He views breakdancing as a form of self-expression and creativity, valuing hard work as essential for overcoming self-doubt.
Both athletes are undergoing intense training that goes beyond physical conditioning. Their preparation includes mastering stress management, making strategic decisions on stage, and maintaining creativity under pressure. Breaking, which originated in New York’s South Bronx in the early 1970s, demands both physical and artistic excellence.
The Trivium judging system, which assesses performances based on physical, interpretative, and artistic criteria, will be used in Paris. The World DanceSport Federation has updated this system to emphasize creativity, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that the essence of breaking is preserved while meeting the sport’s athletic demands.
El-Mamouny highlighted the challenge of balancing rigorous training with maintaining the authenticity and essence of breaking. Mallakh agrees, emphasizing that creativity and personal style are core elements of the discipline.
Although breaking’s debut in Paris is a milestone, it will not be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Despite this, the sport’s passionate community continues to work towards establishing breaking as a recognized cultural art form. The inclusion of breaking in the Olympics is part of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) strategy to attract younger audiences and showcase the vibrant culture of this sport.
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