Vancouver’s own Philip Kim, famously known as Phil Wizard, secured the gold medal in Men’s Breaking at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking a historic moment for the sport. The energetic crowd in Paris witnessed the 26-year-old Korean-Canadian athlete dominate the competition, living up to his reputation as a favorite to win the inaugural Olympic breaking event.
In a thrilling final battle, Phil Wizard faced France’s Dany Dann (Danis Civil). Both breakers had an impressive journey to the final, starting their day in Group B and navigating through the top 8 knockout stages. Phil Wizard’s path to gold included victories against notable breakers like Shigekix from Japan and Lee from the Netherlands, demonstrating his consistent performance throughout the day. The bronze medal in the Men’s Breaking event was awarded to U.S. breaker Victor Montalvo, who defeated Shigekix in the bronze medal match.
Phil Wizard’s victory was attributed to his dynamic and original style. As he mentioned before the competition, his approach was to let his moves flow spontaneously, adapting to the moment. This strategy, combined with his extensive repertoire of breaking skills, impressed the judges and secured his wins. The judging criteria in Olympic breaking emphasizes vocabulary and originality, areas where Phil Wizard clearly excelled.
Alongside Japan’s B-girl Ami, who won gold in the women’s event, Phil Wizard stands as one of the first-ever Olympic gold medalists in breaking. The debut of breaking at the Olympics was a resounding success, celebrated by breakers, fans, and the global sports community. The Paris 2024 Olympics not only showcased incredible athleticism but also highlighted the vibrant culture of breakdancing on a global stage.
