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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BREAKING 2024: A SPECTACULAR SHOWDOWN IN CHENGDU

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in EOC, European Games. No Comments on WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BREAKING 2024: A SPECTACULAR SHOWDOWN IN CHENGDU

Photo: B-Girls podium (WSDF, 2024)

The World Championship Breaking 2024 took place in Chengdu, China, on December 20 and 21, uniting the finest B-Boys and B-Girls globally for a thrilling exhibition of talent and creativity. The Chengbei Gymnasium was buzzing with excitement as over 170 competitors from 31 countries vied for the prestigious titles. 

European Athletes Shine 

European athletes made a significant impact at the championship, particularly in the B-Girls category. Among the standout performers were: 

  • Pauline (Germany): Advanced to the Top 16 in the B-Girls category. 
  • Anti (Italy): Competed fiercely against Ayane from Japan in the B-Girls Top 16. 
  • Stefani (Ukraine): Showcased her skills against Syssy from France, making it to the Top 16. 

In the B-Boys category, notable European athletes included: 

  • Menno (Netherlands): A three-time Red Bull BC One champion known for his fluid transitions and unique style. 
  • Lee (Netherlands): A member of The Ruggeds and the Red Bull BC One All Stars, known for his exceptional techniques. 

Results 

The finals were a thrilling conclusion to the championship. In the B-Girls category: 

  • First Place: India from the Netherlands 
  • Second Place: 671 from China 
  • Third Place: Nicka from Lithuania 

In the B-Boys category: 

  • First Place: B-Boy Issin from Japan 
  • Second Place: Shigekix from Japan 
  • Third Place: MonkeyZ from China 

India outstanding triumph 

Photo: B-Girl India’s performance (Lawksam, 2024)

B-Girl India, whose real name is India Sardjoe, hails from the Netherlands and has been a prominent figure in the breaking scene. Her victory in Chengdu adds to her impressive list of achievements. India previously competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where breaking made its debut. She advanced to the semi-finals and ultimately finished in fourth place. 

Despite missing out on a medal, her performance at the Olympics showcased her exceptional talent and determination. 

India’s journey in breaking began at a young age, and she quickly rose to prominence by winning the Red Bull BC One World Finals in 2022. Her success continued as she secured a spot in the 2024 Olympics by winning the European Games in 2023. 

India’s unique style and creativity have made her a standout performer, and her triumph in Chengdu solidifies her status as one of the top B-Girls in the world. 

Nicka remarkable performance  

B-Girl Nicka, whose real name is Dominika Banevič, had a remarkable year. Representing Lithuania, she secured third place in Chengdu, adding to her impressive achievements, including a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Nicka’s dedication and skill have made her a prominent figure in the breaking community. 

Coming up in the Breaking horizon 

The World Championship Breaking 2024 set the stage for future competitions, with Chengdu set to host the DanceSport events during The World Games in August 2025. The remarkable talent and dedication displayed by the athletes promise an exciting future for the sport. 

ROAD TO ISTANBUL: EUROPEAN GAMES 2027

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in European Games, Istambul 2027. No Comments on ROAD TO ISTANBUL: EUROPEAN GAMES 2027

The 2027 European Games are set to be a spectacular celebration of sport in one of the world’s most vibrant cities – Istanbul. This will mark the fourth edition of the European Games, a multi-sport event designed to showcase the continent’s top athletes and sports, and Istanbul is ready to rise to the occasion with its unique blend of cultural heritage, cutting-edge infrastructure and a commitment to sustainability. 

Istanbul: The Perfect Host 

Istanbul, with its blend of ancient and modern, stands ready as the ideal host. With its strategic location as a bridge between East and West, Istanbul brings a rich cultural and historical backdrop to the 2027 European Games. The city’s readiness was solidified through a formal agreement between the European Olympic Committees (EOC), Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the Turkish Olympic Committee.  

Istanbul is no stranger to the global sports stage and the city boasts a wealth of sporting venues and infrastructure. As a city that has hosted numerous international sporting events, including World Championships and major football tournaments, Istanbul is equipped with venues including the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Sinan Erdem Dome and several other modern facilities. Organisers have confirmed that no new permanent venues will be built, as these existing world-class facilities will be utilised to minimise excessive construction. Existing venues will be repurposed and optimised to meet the diverse needs of the European Games’ sports competitions.

The Selection Process 

The journey to select Istanbul as the host of the 2027 European Games was driven by the city’s comprehensive plan, presented to the EOC Executive Committee in early 2024. Representatives from Istanbul laid out their vision to build on the previous success of the European Games and make the event even more sustainable and innovative. The EOC praised Istanbul’s bid for its vision, infrastructure and the positive impact the Games would have on the city.

Istanbul’s selection was a unanimous decision by the EOC Executive Committee at its meeting in March 2024. A formal Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the EOC, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the Turkish Olympic Committee in May 2024, and Istanbul’s candidature for the 2027 European Games was ratified by the 53rd EOC General Assembly in Bucharest, Romania in June 2024.

A Platform for Europe’s Best 

The European Games serve as Europe’s premier multi-sport event for athletes from across the continent, giving them a platform to compete at the highest level and often acting as a stepping stone for future success at the Olympic Games.

As with previous editions, many competitions at the 2027 European Games will serve as Olympic qualifiers, increasing the stakes for the athletes involved.

The European Games are expected to boost sports tourism and strengthen ties between sporting communities across Europe. The participation of Europe’s top athletes and the collaborative spirit among the continent’s National Olympic Committees (NOCs) will make Istanbul a buzzing hub of athletic excellence during the Games. 

Looking Forward 

Istanbul is set to become a hub for thousands of athletes and fans in 2027. The European Games will provide a unique opportunity for the city to showcase its culture and hospitality while giving athletes a world-class competition environment. 

In less than three years’ time, Istanbul will once again take centre stage, reminding the world why it’s one of the most iconic cities in both sport and culture. The countdown to 2027 has begun, and Istanbul is ready to shine!

ARTISTIC SWIMMING REVOLUTION: OLYMPIC HISTORY AT PARIS 2024

Written by jose.rivas on . Posted in European Games, Olympic Movement. No Comments on ARTISTIC SWIMMING REVOLUTION: OLYMPIC HISTORY AT PARIS 2024

In a historic shift for artistic swimming, the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will witness a groundbreaking change, particularly impacting European athletes. For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, men will be eligible to compete in the artistic swimming team event, adding a dynamic twist to the traditional discipline and creating gender parity.

Since its debut at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 1984, artistic swimming has seen minimal changes. However, the team event at Paris 2024 introduces two significant modifications:

  1. Men’s Eligibility: Paris 2024 sets a milestone by allowing men to participate in the artistic swimming team event. This decision, endorsed by the International Olympic Committee in December 2022, provides male athletes with a platform to make history.
  2. Acrobatic Routine Introduction: Alongside the inclusion of men, the team event will feature an acrobatic routine, injecting fresh excitement and creativity into the traditional artistic swimming format.

At Paris 2024, ten teams, each comprising eight swimmers, will compete in the artistic swimming team event. Italy’s Giorgio Minisini, the first man to participate in a major senior competition during the recent European Games Kraków-Małopolska 2023, exemplifies the positive impact of this rule change.

Minisini helped Italy to win three medals in the team events – silver in both the technical and free routines, and bronze in the acrobatic discipline – adding to gold in the technical mixed duet and silver in free mixed duet.

Expressing his thoughts on the rule change, Minisini stated: “We are now walking on a path towards inclusivity that will bring hope and opportunities to all athletes in our sport.”

European athletes like Minisini and French swimmer Quentin Rakotomalala aim to challenge stereotypes, emphasising inclusivity and diversity in artistic swimming.

As the Olympic Games approach, Europe stands at the forefront of this historic change, where men will challenge traditions and contribute to the ongoing evolution of artistic swimming. Paris 2024 promises to be a momentous chapter in the history of the sport, with European athletes playing a leading role in shaping its future.