Judging Olympic Breaking with Ivan "Flipz" Velez

Keep the Flame Alive

Breakdancing--or breaking--is the new sport at the Paris 2024 Olympics. If you're like Jill, you're mesmerized by it but can't figure out how it's judged. What are they looking for, and how does a b-boy or b-girl win?

Lucky for us, we've got breaking icon--and judge for Paris 2024--Ivan "Flipz" Velez joining us to break it down for us. Flipz talks about the culture of breaking within hip hop and its evolution to an Olympic sport. He also points out what breaking judges look for during a battle. Surprisingly, it's not like other judged sports, but once Flipz breaks it down for us (get it?!), it's a lot easier to watch a battle and see for yourself.

Learn more about Flipz at his website, and follow him on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.

We also hear from Bboy Jeffro, who we spoke with at the Team USA Media Summit. He's got some interesting thoughts about flexibility and the differences between b-boy and b-girl battles. Follow Jeffro on Instagram.

In news from Paris 2024:

• Samsung has released details on its brand showcase Olympic Rendezvous @ Samsung
• LVMH will have a "cultural path" across some of its retail locations
• There will be an African House called Station Afrique at the Robert-César stadium
• NBC has more Olympic shows coming to Peacock--and a price increase

We have an update on that Chinese swimming doping issue from last week. WADA has issued a timeline related to the event that lays out the position it took.

In news from TKFLASTAN, we hear from:

• Wrestler Alejandro Sancho
• Cyclist Mandy Marquardt
• Para shooter McKenna Geer
• Boccia player Alison Levine
• Artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau
• Wheelchair rugby player Chuck Aoki
• Commentator Olly Hogben
• The Montreal Olympic Park -- it's having a contest for reuse of the stadium roof materials. More info here.

For a transcript of this episode, please visit http://flamealivepod.com.

Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!

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Keep the Flame Alive: The Olympics and Paralympics Fan Podcast with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown. New episodes released every week and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. Also look for our monthly Games History Moment episodes in your feed.

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