South African breakdancer Courtnae’ Paul has been crowned Africa’s best, taking the AfroBreak Africa Final championship title after competing against 19 other talented dancers from across the continent. Speaking to SABC Sport, the Durban-born athlete expressed her pride in both her victory and the growing breakdancing culture in Africa.
“This was a big one on my calendar for the year,” Paul shared. “I’m ecstatic that my hard work, sweat, and sacrifices have paid off. The West African breaking scene’s depth, passion, and massive interest really surprised me. I’m now more driven than ever to discover the hidden gems across Africa.”
A Journey from Gymnastics to Breakdancing
Paul’s journey into breakdancing was rooted in a childhood filled with sports. Starting as a gymnast and football player, she learned mental strength and discipline early on—qualities that would serve her well in the breakdancing world. “My sporting journey started with gymnastics and soccer around age 6. Those sports taught me valuable lessons: consistency, self-belief, and giving 100%—even when you’re not feeling it,” she explained.
Reflecting on her recent competition, Paul added, “I wasn’t at my best when competition day arrived, but my early lessons kicked in: trust the prep, trust myself.” Her mental resilience, built through years of intense training, enabled her to perform and succeed under pressure.
A Breakthrough Year of Success and New Milestones
For Paul, 2024 has been a year packed with unforgettable moments. The 32-year-old athlete recently reached the final round of the Olympic Qualifiers, a highlight that brought her international recognition as Africa’s top-ranked breakdancer in the inaugural Olympic Qualifier Series. “What a year! It has been non-stop, so it’s easy to forget just how epic 2024 has been,” she noted. “Top 3 highlights so far? Winning my second Red Bull BC One SA title, ranking as Africa’s highest breaker in the Olympic Qualifier Series, and coming home with the AfroBreak Africa Final belt.”
With her focus now set on growing African breakdancing, Paul aims to inspire and elevate other dancers across the continent. This championship win isn’t the end but a springboard for further achievements. “The year’s not done yet! Maybe I’ll have new favorites by December,” she added with excitement.
Conclusion: Inspiring the Next Generation of African Breakdancers
Paul’s AfroBreak victory is more than a personal achievement; it symbolises the rise of African breakdancing on the global stage. As she continues her journey, Paul remains determined to explore Africa’s untapped talent and bring more dancers to the forefront of this evolving art form.
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