While India may not have had a representative in the groundbreaking Breaking competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the name ‘India’ certainly made waves. But it was a Dutch star, not an Indian athlete, who stole the show. India Sardjoe, an 18-year-old b-girl hailing from The Hague, Netherlands, has etched her name in Olympic history as the inaugural gold medalist in Breaking.
Who is India Sardjoe?
Initially drawn to football, Sardjoe’s athletic prowess was evident from a young age. However, her path diverged when she discovered the dynamic and expressive world of breakdancing. At just 10 years old, Sardjoe won the Dutch national championship in the Under-12 category, showing her exceptional talent. In 2022, she quickly rose to fame by winning titles at the Dutch, European, and World Championships all within six months.
Sardjoe’s triumph at the Olympics has not only brought glory to the Netherlands but has also elevated the profile of breakdancing on the global stage. As the youngest Olympic breakdancing champion, Sardjoe is clearly on the rise. Her amazing talent and youthful energy suggest she will be a major name in dance for years to come. She is part of the groups Heavy Hitters and Hustlekidz and is coached by Ton Steenvoorden.
Breaking’s Olympic Debut
Breaking made its highly anticipated Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games. The competition was fierce, with 33 breakers representing 15 countries and the Refugee Olympic Team. Japan’s b-girl Ami clinched the gold medal in the women’s category, while China’s b-girl 671 (Liu Qingyi) took the bronze after a tough battle with Sardjoe.
The event was judged by a panel of nine judges, all accomplished b-boys and b-girls, who used the Trivium judging system. The breakers were scored on technique, vocabulary, execution, musicality, and originality, with each criterion accounting for 20% of the final score. The judging reflected Breaking’s roots as an art form, focusing on the style, individuality, and personality of each performer.
As the breakers showcased their signature moves to hype up the crowd, Sardjoe’s performance stood out, marking a new chapter in Olympic history. Her victory has not only set a high bar for future competitions but also firmly established her as a trailblazer in the world of breaking.
The inclusion of Breaking in the Olympics has brought a fresh, dynamic energy to the Games, and Sardjoe’s success will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of breakers worldwide.
