Blog
From Paris Streets to Olympic Beats: Mounir Biba’s Breaking Legacy 🕺
- March 14, 2024
- Posted by: Kite Talks
- Category: Sports Education
Introduction
Welcome to KiteTalks! In this blog, we have the honor of hosting Mounir Biba, a 13-time breaking world champion and the current coach of the breaking national team in China. Mounir’s journey in breaking has been nothing short of extraordinary, and we are excited to delve into his story. From his early beginnings in France to his involvement in bringing breaking to the Olympics, Mounir’s experiences are filled with dedication, challenges, and triumphs. So, let’s get started and explore the inspiring world of Mounir Biba.
The Beginnings of a Champion
Mounir’s journey in breaking began in 1997 when he was just 13 years old. Growing up in France, Mounir was already a highly active and competitive individual, playing various sports such as soccer, basketball, and handball. However, it was through a chance encounter with a hip-hop breaking class that Mounir discovered his true passion. Over the years, Mounir’s dedication and love for breaking grew, and at the age of 15, he made the decision to focus solely on breaking, leaving behind his dreams of becoming a professional football player.
Despite the initial challenges and lack of opportunities, Mounir’s talent and hard work eventually caught the attention of the breaking community. In 2003, he participated in one of the biggest breaking competitions in the world, the International Battle Event (IBE), held in the Netherlands. To everyone’s surprise, Mounir, an unknown French breaker, made it to the final, showcasing his exceptional skills and determination. This remarkable achievement marked a turning point in Mounir’s career, instilling in him the belief that he had the potential to compete on the world stage.
The Road to the Olympics
Fast forward to the present day, and breaking is now set to make its debut at the Olympics in Paris 2024. Mounir has been a key advocate for breaking’s inclusion in the Olympics, playing a pivotal role in the journey. It all began in 2017 when Mounir received a call from Storm, a legendary German B-boy and one of Mounir’s biggest inspirations. Storm asked Mounir if he had any objections to breaking being included in the Olympics, to which Mounir wholeheartedly embraced the idea.
In 2018, Mounir was invited to be a judge at the Youth Olympic Games, where breaking made its first appearance. The success of breaking at the Youth Olympics led to Paris 2024 considering including breaking in the official program of the Olympics. Mounir’s expertise and dedication played a crucial role in the decision-making process, and in 2019, breaking was announced as an additional sport for Paris 2024.
Mounir’s involvement in the Olympic journey didn’t stop there. He continued to push for the development of breaking as a sport, focusing on physical conditioning and mental strength. His efforts paid off, and he was approached by the Chinese national team to lead their breaking program. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mounir and his team worked tirelessly to train and prepare the Chinese breakers for international competitions.
The Future of Breaking in India
Mounir has also had the opportunity to visit India and witness the breaking scene firsthand. He believes that India has tremendous potential in breaking, with a rich cultural history and a strong passion for dance. While India may not be at the same level as some of the top nations in breaking currently, Mounir sees a promising future for Indian breakers.
According to Mounir, what Indian breakers need is knowledge, experience, and tools. With the right guidance and training programs, Mounir believes that the next generation of Indian breakers can reach new heights. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief and opening doors for future generations to follow. Mounir is confident that as breaking continues to grow in India, it will become a force to be reckoned with in the international breaking community.
Conclusion
Mounir Biba’s journey from a young breaker in France to a world champion and coach has been an inspiration to all aspiring breakers around the globe. His dedication, perseverance, and belief in the potential of breaking have helped shape the sport’s future. Through his involvement in bringing breaking to the Olympics and coaching the Chinese national team, Mounir has made a lasting impact on the breaking community.
As we look forward to the debut of breaking at the Olympics in Paris 2024, we can’t help but admire Mounir’s role in this historic moment. He has not only left his mark as a world champion but also as a leader and advocate for breaking’s recognition as a sport. Mounir’s journey serves as a reminder to follow our passion, push our limits, and never stop believing in ourselves.