Menno van Gorp exclusive: 'A dream you never dreamed of' - Dutch breakdancer looks ahead to Olympics debut at Paris 2024

Menno van Gorp has spoken exclusively to Eurosport about his excitement at breakdancing's Olympic debut at Paris 2024 this summer. The Dutchman, one of the leading 'B-Boys' in the breaking scene, is a three-time Red Bull BC One world champion and started his career aged 12 when he was living in Tillburg in the Netherlands. The Olympic Games will be shown live on Eurosport and discovery+.

Menno van Gorp has spoken of his excitement as the Dutch breakdancer prepares for his Olympic bow at Paris 2024.

Van Gorp, a ‘B-Boy’ as male breakdancers are known, has won nearly every single title available to him throughout his career, but he is seeking an Olympic gold to add to his growing collection.

Born in Tilburg in the Netherlands, Van Gorp started his career in 2001, when he was just 12 years old, and is a member of Hustle Kidz crew, ‘Def Dogz’ and ‘Red Bull BC One All Stars’.

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Speaking exclusively to Eurosport, Van Gorp said: “It’s kind of a dream that you never dreamed of.

“We obviously don’t see ourselves as a sport so we never thought we’d like to be at the Olympics.

"When the World DanceSport Federation signed us up and we got picked, everybody was like ‘okay, we’ll take the challenge.’ It’s a huge platform and we want to expand our reach and inspire people worldwide.

“Getting this recognition creates a lot of opportunities to make a living out of it. I would not enter if I did not think breaking at the Olympics is a good thing. It is so unique and you cannot put it in one box. It can be physically demanding, it’s a lifestyle, a dance, an artform, so it is a sport as well.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - DECEMBER 9: Menno van Gorp of the crew Hustle Kidz competes against crew 'Team France' in the final of the 5vs5 International Crew Battles during the Amsterdam Breaking Championship 2023 at the Centrale Markthal on December 9, 202

Image credit: Getty Images

“Breaking already outgrew the streets years ago and it has its own platform. Breaking at the Olympics will attract a huge new audience. Maybe a more urban interested audience for the Olympics.”

Van Gorp, simply known as 'Menno' on the breaking tour, is a three-time champion at the Red Bull BC One World Final, and he won the WDSF European Continental Championship in Alicante last year.

“[Olympic gold] would be the cherry on the cake,” Van Gorp said.

“In the breaking scene, I have the recognition of being one of the best ever to do it. But outside breaking, it probably doesn’t mean much. But winning an Olympic medal will definitely help.

“The gold medal would be the most beautiful one to get. You can never put too much hope on yourself. Feeling is very important when you’re dancing.”

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Video credit: TNT Sports

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The Olympic Games will return with Paris 2024, live on Eurosport and discovery+.

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