An Irish breakdancer is “excited” to see his sport introduced to the world stage at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris.
It’s the first time breakdancing has been included as a sport at the event, which will see the world’s best compete for a coveted Olympic medal.
Keeping a close eye on the tournament will be Cian Mulcahy, otherwise known as Bboy Cian from Ballyvolane in Cork, a three-time Irish national breakdancing champion.
On The Hard Shoulder today, Mr Mulcahy explained how the inaugural competition will work.
"They've selected the best 16 men and 16 women in the world to compete against each other," he said.
“They're going to be doing a round-robin event and they're all going to compete against each other.
“Then the winner from each group of four will go on to a knockout stage and they'll decide the first, second, and third places there.
“It’s the first time it’s ever going to happen, so it’s very exciting.”
Scoring system
Mr Mulcahy said the introduction of breakdancing to the Games meant a scoring system needed to be established.
“They look at it now as the mind, body, and soul - three different categories,” he said.
“Your physical aspect, your creative aspect, and your kind of interpretive aspect to the music, and then they compare those, the two dancers, on those three parts.
“The dancer who gets the higher score in each category will win that round and progress through that way.”
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The Cork native said there had been initial pushback when the sport was announced as an Olympic competition.
“Naturally there was, but I think it’s a positive thing overall,” he said.
“I think most people are on board. It gives a great opportunity for these dancers to get on such a big stage while getting more people involved as well.
“The underground will always be there, but this new era is starting.”
Breakdancing in Ireland
Mr Mulcahy said the breakdancing scene is growing in Ireland.
“It’s smaller than in other places, naturally, because we are a small country,” he said.
“But everyone who is doing it is super passionate about it and it’s definitely growing.
“It’s more quality over quantity here.
“It’s a great community to be in, it’s great for kids, and there are just so many positives to it.”
Cian Mulcahy’s moves can be found on his Instagram @bboy.cian
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Main image: A man breakdancing. Image: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo
