Paris Olympics: Japan's Yuasa wins first breaking gold

PARIS: Japan's Ami Yuasa blended artistry and athleticism to win a battle against Lithuania's Dominika Banevic and dance her way to the first Olympic gold medal ever awarded for breaking on Friday (Aug 9).

Yuasa, known as B-Girl Ami, immediately broke out some impressive air flairs in the final and laid down a series of halos to seal the 3-0 win over B-Girl Nicka and bring the crowd at La Concorde to their feet.

Yuasa, known for her footwork, flow and wide vocabulary of moves, was locked into the wall-shaking soundtrack throughout the battle and was overcome with joy when the competition's two MCs raised her arms like a winning prizefighter.

China's Liu Qingyi, B-Girl 671, took bronze after overpowering India Sardjoe, B-Girl India, 2-1 in the bronze medal battle in the cypher (circle).

B-Girl Nicka, the popular 17-year-old world champion who has a fluid style and battles with an ever-present smile on her face, said she was proud to be part of Breaking's Olympic debut.

"We made history tonight. Breaking's first time at the Olympics," said Banevic.

"I'm so happy people could feel our energy and see how wonderful breaking is. More and more people will be interested in breaking now. It's a unique art form."