Dominika Banevic: Lithuania's Rising Star in Breakdancing Aims for Olympic Gold

Seventeen-year-old Lithuanian breakdancer Dominika Banevic is aiming for gold in breakdancing's Olympic debut in Paris. Ranked world number three, Banevic’s journey began at nine and has been a solo endeavor since she was eleven. She crafts unique routines through improvisation and examining her performances.

Seventeen-year-old Lithuanian Dominika Banevic is confident of clinching gold in breakdancing's Olympic debut in Paris, despite her youth and hailing from a non-traditional breakdancing nation.

Ranked world number three, Banevic won the 2023 world title in Belgium. 'Breakdancing is special because age doesn't matter. What matters is how well you can dance,' she told Reuters from her training studio in Vilnius.

Banevic, who dreams of an Olympic medal, began training alone after her coach retired when she was just eleven. 'The decision came naturally,' she said. By crafting her own moves and drawing inspiration from early 1980s New York hip hop documentaries, Banevic has developed a unique style. Working out of Lithuania, she feels driven to prove herself. Her example has inspired others to take up the sport. 'I used to focus on winning, but now I just enjoy the process,' she added.

(With inputs from agencies.)