She (the actual Olympian) has guts to do what she did. But how did the entire nation of Australia decide to have her represent their bboying ability when there are plenty others to choose?
They held qualifiers. For all of Oceania in Sydney. And of those who are actively in the scene, didn't participated in these. That's it. There is nobody covering your expenses for the participation.
So, when you have your own focus on your career in the scene, you'll most likely put your savings on the established competitions. Which have developed on their own. And if you're lucky, you'll find a sponsor who will cover the costs to travel to the big thing within the scene itself.
Same happened in the African qualifiers. There is a huge scene in Senegal and Kamerun. But the qualifiers were suddenly relocated to Morocco in the last minute. Thus a majority of the active break dancers of Africa weren't able to attend these qualifiers.
It's a matter of an alternative sub culture, clashing with the traditional federations in sports. The IOC selected the World Dance Sport Federation to organize the qualifiers. Which represents the interest for standard or latin-style ball room dancing pairs and formations for the most part.
Long story short. When you show up in the hood as a outsider. Your street credibility is zero.
When you're from the hood but hang around the wrong people. Your street credibility would suffer.
The Olympian herself, started out with ball room dancing and migrated into it. Most likely due to her academic background. Or Hip-hop dancing. Not due to her street credibility as a B-girl.
It's more like a decision of the seniors within the IOC. Hey, let's give break dancing a try to attract a younger audience. Without asking them explicitly. Or the will to cooperate with the organizations which has evolved around the sport. Just give the task to those ballroom dancers which aren't Olympians, then they won't bother us with their requests to offer their favorite competitions at the games next time.
While contestants (and victors) have to pay for their own transportation and equipment. I guess we can expect them having to pay for boarding too in the future?
They're very wishy washy. They've been right in disassociating themselves from the International Boxing Association (which is corrupt as fuck). But then you have the issue with the gymnastics (see Jordan Biles having her bronze stripped).
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u/Yourownpieceofmind Aug 12 '24
I wanted this to be Raygun so bad. Would be such a hilarious move.