Courtnae Paul is breaking all the way to the Paris Olympics

South African breakdancer Courtnae Paul continues to captivate audiences in Johannesburg with her fluid moves and infectious smile. Paul is at one of the final events before the eagerly anticipated Olympic Games debut of breaking, the dance style that blends martial arts and gymnastics.

Born in Durban, the 32-year-old is among seven African break dancers, known as B-girls and B-boys, aiming for a spot in Paris. Alongside a fellow South African B-girl, she’s gearing up for qualifiers in Shanghai and Budapest.

Despite a background in gymnastics, kickboxing, and more, breakdancing became her passion, especially after the lockdowns of 2020 gave her time to focus.

Paul’s unique style, a blend of her gritty determination, education, and South African flair, sets her apart. Her trainer, Jaco Claasen, describes her as explosive and powerful, traits she’ll need to fine-tune for the Olympics.

With limited funding, she can only compete in a few events a year, making Olympic visibility crucial for the sport’s growth in South Africa.

Paul is excited about the Olympics but also aware of the challenges. “In a perfect world, I’d be a professional athlete… unfortunately, that’s not my reality,” she says. Despite the hurdles, she’s prepared. “I’ve worked as hard as I can, and I’m as ready as I can be. A self-assured person is a dangerous one!”

Main image: South African

The post Courtnae Paul is breaking all the way to the Paris Olympics appeared first on EntertainmentSA News South Africa.