Logan “Logistix” Edra is poised to make history as a key member of Team USA’s breaking team, ready to compete in the highly anticipated Olympic debut of breaking at the Paris 2024 Games. While breaking’s inclusion in the Olympics has sparked global excitement, it has also ignited discussions within the breaking community, particularly concerning its absence from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The decision to incorporate sports like breaking into the Olympic program is a flexible process, tailored to each host city’s vision. According to an IOC spokesperson, the organizing committee of each host city proposes events that align with their specific Games edition. Los Angeles, in its selection for 2028, opted for cricket, flag football, lacrosse, squash, and baseball/softball, while breaking, along with karate, motorsport, and kickboxing, was not included.
Despite the disappointment surrounding the Los Angeles Games, the breaking community remains focused on the present opportunity in Paris. Victor Montalvo, known as B-boy Victor and the highest-ranked U.S. male breaker, expressed the community’s surprise and gratitude for being part of the Olympics. “For us, it was shocking that we were even in the Olympics because we never expected it at all. So, we’re just appreciative,” Montalvo stated.
Image: Team USA Breaking members, including Logistix break dancer, discuss the Olympic debut of breaking.
Montalvo, who was the first to qualify for Team USA breaking in the Olympics, sees this debut as a crucial moment to broaden breaking’s appeal and inspire future generations. His goal transcends winning medals; he aims to convey the essence of breaking and hip hop culture, emphasizing “peace, unity and having fun.”
The breaking competition at Place de la Concorde in Paris promises to be a landmark event. Street dance enjoys immense popularity in France, and breaking’s successful debut at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Argentina, which garnered over a million viewers, underscores its appeal and relevance for the Olympic stage.
Edson Magana, also known as B-boy House, a breaker and professor at Arizona State University, views the Olympic inclusion of breaking as a strategic move to rejuvenate viewer engagement and attract younger audiences. While acknowledging the excitement, he also points out the inherent controversy. Magana notes that while the Olympic debut is a significant opportunity for athletes like Logistix, its exclusion from the Los Angeles Games is concerning, especially considering breaking’s American origins. “I think the Olympics needs us more than we need them,” Magana commented, highlighting the cultural value breaking brings to the Olympic program.
Breaking’s global success is undeniable, evidenced by Red Bull sponsorships and Samsung marketing campaigns, and numerous international championships. However, concerns linger within the breaking community about the potential impact of the Olympics on breaking’s core values. Originating from marginalized communities, breaking has always been about accessibility, inclusivity, and providing a voice. Some fear Olympic involvement might compromise these fundamental aspects, while others remain optimistic about its positive influence.
Jeffrey Louis, or B-boy Jeffro, another member of Team USA, understands these concerns but maintains a hopeful outlook. “I know there’s a lot of skepticism about will breaking take away from the culture, being in the Olympics, will it take away from the core, the essence of breaking,” he said. “But if we have the right representatives, it’s not going to take away, it’s only going to push it in the best light possible.”
Tyquan Hodac, executive director of Breaking for Gold USA, believes Team USA, including Logistix Break Dancer, embodies the right representation. “These four (competitors), I call them the chosen ones,” he stated. “They’re really the ones to represent us on this platform. As you all know, the story of hip hop is basically a story of hope and these four are really representing that type of hope for the youth, for the culture, they’re the voice of the voiceless.”
For viewers tuning into the Olympic breaking events, some adjustments from traditional breaking competitions are expected. The Paris competitions will be held outdoors, a departure from typical indoor venues. Judging will be conducted by a panel of nine judges using a detailed scoring system that assesses originality, technical skill, vocabulary, execution, and musicality. As Logistix and Team USA prepare for this historic moment, the world watches to see how breaking will shine on the Olympic stage.
