Phil Wizard calls for better judging transparency in breaking competitions

During WIRED’s The Big Interview event, Phil Wizard, an American b-boy and Olympic gold medalist, discussed various aspects of breaking, particularly in relation to its recent Olympic debut. He expressed empathy for Raygun, an Australian b-girl, who faced criticism after her performance at the Paris Games. Wizard highlighted that while Raygun qualified through the Oceania qualifiers, the event lacked competitors and hence the narrative surrounding her overshadowed the achievements of other skilled breakers. He emphasized that gaps in talent seen in breaking competitions are common across sports, yet the subjective nature of breaking’s judging may confuse viewers unfamiliar with the sport. Wizard pointed out that breaking has not been included in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, a decision made prior to the Paris competitions. He advocated for transparency in judging that would compare more favorably to other sports like figure skating and gymnastics, where technical and artistic judging criteria are explicitly laid out. He believes that clearly defining how winners are determined and documenting the margin of victory with technical details would enhance understanding among fans and spectators. Moreover, Wizard underscored the need for the breaking community to reconnect with its hip-hop roots. He noted that over time, the links between breaking, rap, emceeing, and graffiti have become obscured. While some from the hip-hop community have supported breaking's Olympic presence, others have criticized it, labeling it “wack.” Wizard expressed that it is crucial for current high-level breakers to engage in educating audiences about the sport’s heritage, warning that the essence of breaking could be lost if this connection is not reinforced. Ultimately, Wizard's reflections encapsulate broader conversations about the growth and development of breaking as a competitive sport, the importance of recognizing its origins, and the necessity for improvements in judging practices that reflect its artistic and athletic merit adequately. By advocating for clearer communication and educational efforts regarding breaking’s history and judging, he hopes to foster a more informed public and encourage a more inclusive environment within the sport.