Paris' iconic Place de la Concorde is no stranger to the spotlight. Various royals, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, were executed there during the French Revolution.
Philip Kim is set to make another kind of history there. The 27-year-old from Vancouver, better known as B-Boy Phil Wizard, will be front and centre as the sport of breaking makes its Olympic debut. "I know people are going to love it," said Kim. "And it's going to be super-exciting.
I'm excited to represent Canada. I'm excited to be there. I'm stoked for it." In addition to the breaking event, set for Friday (women) and Saturday (men), Place de la Concorde is also the host venue for Olympic skateboarding, 3x3 basketball and BMX freestyle. "I've been to Paris many times.
It's one of my favourite cities," said Kim. "I was lucky enough to go like four times, I think, last year, and so I've actually done photo shoots at that place and kind of envisioned us there with thousands of people watching." Paris has rarely been far from his mind. WATCH: The moment that changed everything for Phil Kim: "Sometimes stressfully, to be honest," he acknowledged. "But sometimes also just excitement and looking forward to it as well." Kim, a former world champion, has already helped elevate the sport, which sees competitors go head to head in short bursts of breakdancing to a DJ's soundtrack as judges look on.