Courtnae Paul voices frustration over Breaking removal from 2028 Olympics

Breaking was first introduced at the 2018 Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, before recently making its first appearance in the senior Games in Paris. 

Speaking to SABC Sport, Paul believes she would have had a better chance of qualifying for the 2028 Games because she now understands what’s required.

"Honestly, I'm quite gutted that it's not going to be in the 2028 Games, we knew about it months ago, and everybody thinks it's because of the Australian breaker, but that's not the case," said Paul.

"But it does suck because that would have been the one that I think I would have had a really good chance of being part of, [because] I understand the system much better and I'm obviously competing more frequently now, so I'm much better than I was when the journey started.

"I would have loved to put that on my profile, but in the meantime, the journey continues – it's cool that the qualifiers for the Games are still in place, so we'll continue to compete at the continentals, World Champs, and all the different events that exist because of the Olympics."

Paul adds, even though she didn’t qualify for the Olympics, watching breakdancing on such a big stage was surreal.

"I could have just burst into tears, I had goosebumps, I was just absolutely besides myself knowing that something we all love so much, and that hasn't gotten much attention and recognition, was literally on the biggest sporting stage in the world," she said.

"So, just seeing it there [in Paris] was a massive highlight, it would have definitely been an even brighter highlight if I was there in person."

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