Australian B-Boy J Attack, also known as Jeff Dunne, may not have advanced past the opening round robin of the Paris 2024 breaking competition, but his performance was well-received. Despite not securing a win in any of his three battles, the 16-year-old managed to impress at least one judge, preventing a complete shutout for Australia in the sport’s only Olympic appearance.
Competing against breakers more than twice his age, J Attack stood out with his full Australian Olympic tracksuit, distinguishing himself from competitors who opted for more casual street clothing. Although he didn’t come out on top in any of his battles, he did earn a judge’s vote in two out of the three rounds, an improvement from b-girl Raygun’s shutout.
While J Attack showcased some big moves and received praise for his performance, the judges emphasized the importance of having a coherent flow and concepts within the routine. In his battles against opponents like Ukraine’s Kuzya and France’s Dany Dann, J Attack struggled to match their connection to the music and overall routine variety.
Despite finishing in last place in his group with no wins, J Attack’s efforts were commendable, especially considering the tough competition he faced in Paris. Breaking is not expected to return at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, much to the disappointment of the World DanceSport Federation.
The Paris 2024 breaking competition followed a round-robin format, with only two breakers advancing from each group to the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and ultimately the championship matchup. In J Attack’s group, Kuzya and Phil Wizard emerged victorious, moving on to the next stages of the competition.
While J Attack’s Olympic debut may not have ended in victory, his participation and dedication to the sport have not gone unnoticed. As breaking continues to gain recognition on the global stage, young talents like J Attack play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport.