It was yet another history-making moment for Team Canada as Phil Wizard (Philip Kim) won gold in the Olympic debut of breaking at Paris 2024.
In a thrilling battle on the stage at La Concorde, the 27-year-old Canadian b-boy took on host country favourite Dany Dann in the final. By the time the battle came to a close, Wizard had the crowd on their feet, as they recognized the incredible skill and style they had seen him display.
It was an impressive show put on by the Canadian as he won all three rounds. Though the Frenchman managed to earn four votes in opening round while Wizard got five, the next two rounds were shutouts as Wizard earned the votes of all nine judges in both.
To get into the gold medal final, Wizard had to face off with top seed Shigekix of Japan in the semifinal in a battle of two of the sport’s biggest stars. The Canadian got the nod from the judges in all three rounds, earning 17 votes to 10 for his Japanese opponent. While the first round was tight, with Wizard winning 5-4, he took each of the next two rounds 6-3.
That semifinal victory followed a dominant performance in the quarterfinals in which he defeated Lee of the Netherlands 3-0 (19-8 in votes).
Phil Wizard’s Journey to Gold
The Canadian’s journey to the top of the podium was anything but easy. He had to work his way through a tough field of competitors, including some of the best breakers in the world. Phil Wizard, who arrived in Paris as a favorite, did not disappoint.
He began his journey with three straight wins in the preliminary round.
In the quarterfinals, he dominated the Netherlands’ Lee with a decisive 3-0 victory, showcasing the power and grace that he is known for.
In the semifinals, Wizard faced off against the reigning world champion, Shigekix of Japan. This was a highly anticipated matchup, as both breakers were considered to be among the best in the world. In the end, it was Wizard who emerged victorious, winning the bout 3-0.
The Final Showdown
In the final, Wizard faced off against Dany Dann, the host nation’s top contender. This matchup was a battle of styles, with Wizard’s smooth and powerful moves against Dann’s more acrobatic approach. In the end, it was Wizard who triumphed, winning all three rounds and securing the gold medal.
A Historic Win
Phil Wizard’s victory is a historic one for Canada. It is the country’s first-ever gold medal in breaking, and it is a testament to the talent and dedication of the Canadian breaking community.
Breaking has quickly become one of the most popular sports in the world. Wizard’s victory is sure to inspire more young people to get involved in the sport, and it is a sign of things to come for breaking in Canada and around the world.
Looking to the Future
Phil Wizard’s victory is a sign of the bright future of breaking in Canada. The sport is growing rapidly in popularity, and with the support of the Canadian Olympic Committee, breaking is poised to become one of the country’s most successful Olympic sports.
The Next Generation
Wizard’s journey to the top of the podium is an inspiration to young breakers around the world. He has shown that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. His success is sure to inspire more young people to pursue their dreams of becoming Olympic athletes, and to help breakdance grow as a sport for the future.
The Legacy of Breaking
Breaking is a sport that has its roots in the streets. It is a form of self-expression, a way to connect with others, and a way to build community. Phil Wizard’s victory is a testament to the power of breaking to inspire and unite people from all walks of life. As the sport continues to grow, it is sure to have a positive impact on communities around the world. Breaking is a sport that is truly for everyone.
Phil Wizard’s victory is a reminder that anything is possible when you set your mind to it. He has shown the world what breaking is all about, and he has inspired a new generation of breakers to pursue their dreams. The future of breaking is bright, and Phil Wizard is helping to lead the way.
Beyond the Medal
While the gold medal is undoubtedly a major accomplishment, Phil Wizard’s impact extends far beyond the confines of the Olympic Games. His passion and dedication to the sport have inspired countless young people to get involved in breaking, and his journey to the top of the podium has shown that anything is possible with hard work and determination. He has become a role model for young athletes around the world, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
The future of breaking is bright, and Phil Wizard’s victory is a testament to the power of this sport to unite and inspire people from all walks of life. As the sport continues to grow, it is sure to have a positive impact on communities around the world. Breaking is a sport that is truly for everyone.
