Ami Yuasa on Gold Medal Changes and Next Ambition

The changes in life after becoming a gold medalist

“The opportunities to appear on TV have increased, and I’ve also been approached more often on the street with people saying, ‘Congratulations on your gold medal!’ I think I wouldn’t have had these experiences if I hadn’t participated in the Olympics. The range of challenges I can take on has expanded significantly.”

Speaking with a bright, carefree smile is Ami Yuasa (26, hereafter referred to as AMI), the gold medalist in women’s breaking at the Paris Olympics in dance sport. On the day of the interview, a collaboration event with breaking was being held at the commercial facility “KITTE” in Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo.

AMI’s strengths lie in her unique movements and expressive power. On this day, too, she showcased a series of dazzling tricks. Reflecting on the event during the interview, she radiated fulfillment, saying, “I value being myself. Everyone is different, and that’s what makes it interesting.” Her first impression is overwhelmingly bright, and the term free-spirited fits her perfectly.

“I started breaking when I was in the fifth grade. Before that, I was doing hip-hop dance, but at a recital, I saw a breaking class and was drawn to the windmill (Editor’s note: a move where the dancer rotates with their back on the floor while spreading their legs). I decided to give it a try on a whim, and that’s how it all started.”

The response to her gold medal was immense, but she only started to truly feel its impact recently. When she won the gold medal in the scorching summer of France last year, the reality of it hadn’t quite sunk in.

“I was happy, but it all felt kind of surreal. But as I received people’s reactions, it gradually started to feel real. The happiest moment for me was seeing my grandfather and grandmother so delighted. Being able to show them my performance on TV made me really happy. They even cut out newspaper articles featuring me and keep them in a file (laughs). They’ve always supported me.”

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After winning the gold medal, AMI felt her life had expanded significantly. However, she initially opposed breaking becoming an Olympic sport. This was because she believed, “Breaking isn’t a sport; it’s something closer to personal expression and art.” But her perspective changed when she saw the mentors she respected leading the dance federation.

“If the people I respect are leading the way, then maybe breaking can be part of the sports world without losing its essence. That’s what I started to believe. I wanted to contribute and support them in elevating breaking.”

For AMI, the appeal of breaking lies in the ambiguity of its judging criteria.

“There’s no right answer. In other sports, like track and field or swimming, the fastest person wins, so everyone focuses on improving their speed. But in breaking, there’s no set formula for winning. It’s about finding the moves that suit you and training in your own unique way. That’s why, after a battle, there’s a deep sense of respect for your opponent. Everyone has their own strengths and fights in their own way—that’s what makes breaking so fascinating to me.”

However, even AMI has faced setbacks and struggles.

“There were times I wanted to quit. But each time, my family and friends encouraged me. That’s why I deeply value the people around me. I feel that growing together with people who motivate and support me is really important.”

While AMI’s daily life hasn’t changed much after the Olympics, her approach to social media has shifted slightly.

“I used to post Instagram Stories showing my location in real time, but now I post them with a delay.”

When asked about her future goals, AMI’s eyes lit up.

“I want to dedicate more time to creating new moves. I also want to travel to different countries and immerse myself in their breaking scenes.”

Even as an Olympic gold medalist, AMI continues to seek evolution. Her new challenges may bring a fresh wave of inspiration to the world of breaking.