(Paris) On the Place de la Concorde, in the heart of Paris, Phil Wizard performed magic. The Canadian b-boy became the first Olympic gold medalist in breaking on Saturday.
This Wizard medal is number 27e Canada, a record for non-boycotted Summer Games. It is also the 9the gold, another record. All this, in a brand new sport that has charmed the public.
“This is history being written for us,” the b-boy said. “It’s incredible.”
Phil Wizard – real name Philip Kim – has a vast and diverse vocabulary. His strength lies in his ability to perform a phenomenal amount of different moves. Last December, he showed The Press his long, very long list of moves he is capable of performing.
On Saturday, he displayed all this vocabulary in front of the whole world.
On the small round stage set up under a huge marquee surrounded by high stands, the b-boy won each of his duels of the day. In what looked like a big party for this very first Olympic breaking competition, the Canadian demonstrated all his technique and creativity. In the final, he won all three rounds against the local favorite, Frenchman Dany Dann.
PHOTO ANGELIKA WARMUTH, REUTERS
Phil Wizard dominated the breaking competition.
“In my whole life, I never thought I would be here one day,” the champion said in the mixed zone, before bringing his hands to his face to wipe away the tears that were beginning to flow.
Not once did Phil Wizard look nervous on that stage. And yet…
“I was stressed out to death,” he said, adorned with his new gold jewelry. “It was a whirlwind of emotions. Yesterday, I cried all the tears in my body because I was so scared to do this.”
I’m just happy. I’m happy I delivered. I’m happy my family is here. I’m still processing it all. I’ve doubted myself my whole life. To be here, it means a lot.
Phil Wizard
The pressure, recalled the Vancouver native, was enormous. As were the expectations. For several months, he had been unanimously perceived as the one who would win that first gold medal.
PHOTO ODD ANDERSEN, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Phil Wizard was emotional on the podium
“I’m happy that I was able to live up to expectations,” the champion said. “But I’m even happier that I enjoyed the moment.”
“I dedicated my life to this”
In breaking, nothing is planned. Athletes improvise to music chosen by a DJ. Between footwork, frozen movements and power moves, the possibilities are endless.
All fluidity, flexibility and spontaneity, Wizard is absolutely sensational to watch move. Especially since he is constantly smiling; he is having a blast. You had to see him, in the semi-final, when he guessed his opponent’s frozen movement and executed it at the same time as him.
“Honestly, I go on stage and try to have the best time possible,” he explained. […] I go in with absolutely nothing in mind. I do what the music tells me to do. Because of that, I think I can create magical moments.”
PHOTO FRANK FRANKLIN, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Phil Wizard impressed the judges with his ability to perform several different moves.
In the months leading up to the Games, Wizard has told everyone he’ll listen that he wants to introduce breaking to as many people as possible. He believes he succeeded Saturday.
“I’ve dedicated my life to this. I think it’s an underrated sport and I hope today was the perfect example to show people how incredible breaking is.”
That was honestly my only goal here. I’m so grateful and happy. I just want to show the world what breaking is all about and I think we did a fantastic job today.
Phil Wizard
Phil Wizard discovered breaking on the streets of Vancouver. On Saturday, he introduced breaking to the world.