For Moroccan b-boy Bilal Mallakh and b-girl Fatima El-Mamouny, the Paris Games mark a significant milestone as they become the first Africans to compete in the sport of breaking at the Olympics.
Mallakh, known as 'B-Boy Billy,' expressed his pride in representing Morocco on this global stage. In an interview, he emphasized the importance of the Olympics in boosting his self-confidence and opening up new opportunities.
The Moroccan duo secured their spots in Paris by emerging victorious in their respective finals at the World DanceSport Federation's African Championship held in Rabat in May 2023.
El-Mamouny highlighted the challenges of balancing the rigorous training required of an Olympic athlete with staying true to the essence of breaking in their performances. Despite the pressures leading up to the Games, she remains determined not to give up, acknowledging the mix of stress and excitement that comes with the territory.
Breaking, also known as breakdancing, has its roots in the streets of New York's South Bronx in the early 1970s. Originating as a form of expression during musical breaks at clubs and block parties, the dance style has evolved into a competitive sport that now graces the Olympic stage.
