Logan Edra's journey to securing a spot on Team USA for the Paris 2024 Olympics was paved with determination and perseverance.
The 21-year-old Filipina American, known by her stage name b-girl Logistx, officially qualified for the Olympic Games last month after excelling in the Olympic Qualifier Series in Budapest. Despite being one of the world's top breakers, ranked No. 14 globally, her path was not without challenges.
\"As much as we have people around us that are encouraging or part of the hype, it's still a lonely journey. No one really knows what you're going through except for you,\" said Edra, reflecting on her rise in the global breaking scene since 2018.
Edra was a favorite to defend her championship at the 2022 Red Bull BC One World Final in New York but was narrowly defeated by b-girl India Dewi from the Netherlands in the intense final round.
With breaking making its Olympic debut, Edra and her teammates are feeling the pressure of representing a uniquely American art form on a global stage. Breaking, a foundational element of hip-hop culture that originated in the Bronx in the 1970s, is now a thriving international phenomenon.
Victor Montalvo, also known as b-boy Victor, expressed excitement about the upcoming competition: \"We're going to bring something new to the table. We're going to bring a vibe, we're going to bring that peace, love, unity and having fun.\"
Edra remains focused on staying grounded and embracing the challenges ahead. \"I value this goal,\" she said, \"but not because of what it comes with. More so because of how I've grown through it.\"
While breaking faced a decline in the U.S. during the 80s, the culture has since experienced a global resurgence, positioning Team USA as torchbearers of hip-hop's rich heritage in the Olympic arena.
Reference(s):
Breakers weigh pressure and excitement before Olympic debut in Paris
cgtn.com
