Breakdancing Provisionally Approved for 2024 Olympics
Breakdancing is finally closer to making its debut at the 2024 Olympic games in Paris.
On Tuesday (June 25), USA Today confirmed that International Olympic Committee members have formally endorsed Paris officials' request to add breakdancing to the program pending a final decision in December 2020.
"It's important for us in our concept to put sports out of the stadiums and in the heart of the city," Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet said in a statement.
The proposal, which also includes surfing, climbing and skateboarding, was presented back in February. Before the final vote takes place in December 2020, organizers are now on the hunt for the perfect street venue to hold the tournament in 2024.
Breakdancing isn't officially recognized as an official Olympic sport but the Bronx-born movement did make its grand debut at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Breaking may also appeal to 2028 Los Angeles Olympics organizers. According to IOC sports director Kit McConnell, the decision on whether L.A. will host a breakdancing portion of the Olympic games should be made in 2021.
While we wait for the verdict, the other sports Paris requested to add to its program—skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing—will all make debuts at the Summer Games in Tokyo next year. As the preparations begin, we'll see if the hip-hop embraces the new Olympic sport. Last year, Chance The Rapper was recruited to help produce the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics in his city of Chicago. Hopefully, the IOC calls on more rappers to welcome breakdancing to the Games properly.
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