Every four years, many of the best athletes from around the world come together to compete in the Summer Olympics. The modern Olympic Games began in 1896, but the tradition dates back to 776 B.C. That’s when the first Olympic Games were held in ancient Greece.
Many of the events from those early Games—like the long jump, shot put, and javelin throw—are still held today. But over the years, new events have been added as sports grow in popularity. This year’s Games in Paris, France, will feature 32 sports, of which four are new: skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing, and breaking.
Breaking, or competitive breakdancing is the most artistic of the new events. Breaking is a style of dance usually performed to hip-hop music. It’s energetic and acrobatic: Dancers—called breakers—flip, spin, and even stand on their heads!
Last fall, Sunny Choi qualified to represent the U.S. in women’s breaking. She’s been breaking for 17 years and is excited to share the sport with the world. “We breakers share something that transcends language. No matter where you go, you can dance with somebody and you can share a moment,” she says.