Meet the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Athletes: From National Surfer to Olympic Breaker with Italy’s B-Boy Leo

At just 17 years old, Leonardo "B-Boy Leo" Casula brings a distinct athletic background to the global Breaking scene. Hailing from the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, Leo is a former national-level surfer, skateboarder, and lifelong swimmer who transitioned his sports background onto the cypher. Now, as he prepares to represent Italy on the biggest stage of his career at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, Leo shares his story of balance, family, and dedication.

Roots in Sardinia: Between Vineyards and the Sea

Leo’s story begins in Sardinia. Born in Cagliari, he grew up in Serdiana, a village of around 2,500 residents surrounded by vineyards. Despite his growing international schedule, his home island and its coastline remain his main place to unwind.

“I love my island, Sardinia, and especially the sea. It's my favourite place to relax, usually on my surfboard.”

Long before Breaking took over his life, Leo’s body was already attuned to physical discipline. Born to parents who are both professional swimming instructors, he has been in the water since he was just two months old. As he grew, he took to the streets on a skateboard and to the ocean on a surfboard, excelling in the water until he earned a spot on the Italian National Surfing Team.

Meet the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Athletes: From National Surfer to Olympic Breaker with Italy’s B-Boy Leo

Discovering Breaking: A Roundabout Path to Passion

In a discipline where many elites begin in early childhood, Leo discovered Breaking at eight years old, a starting age that some in today's scene consider 'late'. However, the athletic foundation he built across multiple sports proved to be an advantage.

“I started Breaking quite late, by the standards of today’s children who are just beginning to explore the discipline. However, thanks to the sports I had practised previously, especially surfing, I was able to make rapid progress; I already possessed a strong command of my body, and I even incorporated elements from my background into some of my moves.”

Reflecting on his journey for young athletes who might feel behind schedule, Leo offers his perspective:

“Sometimes you discover your talent by taking a roundabout path... I started swimming at two months old, then went on to try skateboarding, tennis, and surfing, but when I discovered Breaking, I found the best way to express myself and decided to dedicate myself to it completely.”

The Ormus Force Connection: A Mentor and Godfather

The defining moment of Leo's Breaking career came the day he met Claudio, widely known as Yaio, a member of the legendary Italian Breaking crew Ormus Force. Yaio became Leo’s very first teacher and remains his sole coach to this day. Over the years, their dynamic evolved into a lifelong bond.

“His complete dedication to Breaking, and to everything it represents, was immediately apparent to me; from the very start, he served as an inspiration and a guide in the discipline. Over time, we developed a deep bond, to the point that we even became godfather and godson to each other!”

Pandemic Synergy and B-Girl Gintonic

Juggling four demanding sports, swimming, skateboarding, surfing, and Breaking, eventually became impossible. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and global competitions ground to a halt, Leo focused entirely on dance. With formal training facilities closed, his bedroom became his daily practice space.

It was during this period that a close relationship developed between Leo and his younger sister, Ginevra. Today, at 11 years old, Ginevra competes as B-Girl Gintonic.

“My bedroom was enough for me. During that time, something really special happened: my little sister Ginevra (B-Girl Gintonic) and I became even closer. She's now 11 years old and she's incredibly talented. We've always trained side by side, helping each other improve every single day. Remember her name, because I'm sure you'll be hearing a lot about B-Girl Gintonic in the future.”

Despite typical sibling rivalries, Breaking brings out their teamwork:

“Like all siblings, we often argue... but in Breaking, we always find common ground where we can benefit from each other. We have different styles, yet together we create a perfect connection,in fact, I hope to compete in some duo Battles with her, perhaps in a format like 'Bonnie & Clyde'!”

Meet the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Athletes: From National Surfer to Olympic Breaker with Italy’s B-Boy Leo

The Turning Point: Going Global in Porto

Leo launched his official international competitive journey in 2022, travelling across Europe to gain experience against top B-Boys. A pivotal breakthrough occurred during the WDSF 2025 Youth World Championships in Porto, Portugal, where competing against high-calibre international dancers redefined his ambition.

“I gained a clear focus on my future path when I crossed paths with high-caliber dancers in Porto, during the 2025 Youth World Championships. That was when I realized where I wanted, and was capable of, reaching, and I hope to keep fueling this hunger for knowledge about this discipline.”

Meet the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Athletes: From National Surfer to Olympic Breaker with Italy’s B-Boy Leo

Bringing Coastal Energy to the Olympic Stage

As Leo steps onto the stage representing Italy at the Youth Olympic Games, he carries the distinct high-energy style that defines his battles. Yet, beneath that explosive movement lies the calm mentality he cultivated on the Sardinian waters.

“Let’s just say I’ve always been a high-energy person, so the calming effect the sea has on me creates the perfect balance! A connection with nature has the power to steady the soul.”

From swimming as a kid and riding waves with the national surfing team to battling for Olympic glory in Dakar, Leonardo Casula’s path shows that athleticism has no single route.

Follow B-Boy Leo’s journey to Dakar 2026 on Instagram: @leocasula11