From Paris to Dakar: B-Boy Hiro10 Inspires the Next Generation at the Youth Olympic Games

The atmosphere at the Tour de l'Oeuf complex in Dakar is electric. Today, 11 November, marked a crucial milestone ahead of tomorrow's much-anticipated first day of the Breaking competition at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026. While delegations spent the day testing the field of play and sharing the first moves on the Olympic cypher, one of the highlights came inside the Athletes' Lounge, where Youth Olympic Games Athlete Role Model (ARM) for WDSF and Paris 2024 Olympian B-Boy Hiro10 delivered an unforgettable session.

Gathered in an intimate, relaxed setting, young B-Boys hung on every word as the Japanese phenomenon opened up about his journey, the heavy burden of Olympic pressure, and the deeper meaning of life beyond the cipher.

The Road to Paris: From Doubt to Discovery

When Breaking was first announced as an Olympic sport, Hiro10 admits he was just as skeptical and uncertain as many within the global community.

"When I first heard that Breaking was going to become an Olympic sport, it was hard to believe... To be honest, I wasn’t even sure if that was something I wanted to aim for. At that time, I didn’t really understand how big this opportunity was."

It took a nudge from his father, who believed in him when he doubted himself, to change his course. Funded largely by family sacrifices, Hiro10 began his qualification quest on the WDSF Breaking for Gold International Series, securing back-to-back third-place finishes in Canada and Madrid that proved he belonged on the global stage.

The Battle for Japan’s final Olympic quota against his close friend Issin was mentally grueling, but consistency and sheer resilience carried him through to Shanghai, Budapest’s Qualifier Series, and ultimately, Paris.

"Once again, I couldn’t believe it. I cried so much. My father had also come to watch, and for the first time, we cried tears of happiness together."

Facing Pressure: The Power of Acceptance

Speaking directly to athletes who will face the spotlight tomorrow, Hiro10 offered a raw and honest confession about his own Olympic debut, where early losses in the round-robin stage left him frustrated and overwhelmed.

"I was actually very nervous on the day of the competition... I lost every Battle. I was extremely disappointed and frustrated."

Turning point came before his final Battle against Victor and the realization that he was already eliminated completely flipped his psychological state.

"For the first time, I felt completely free from pressure. I could simply do what I loved, express myself, and show the world what I wanted to share through my dancing... That had never happened to me before. Not once in my entire life."

Addressing the mental side of competition, Hiro10 stressed that pretending anxiety doesn't exist is a trap.

"For a long time, I believed that I was someone who didn’t feel pressure... But the reality was different. You don’t have to pretend to be strong all the time. Acknowledge your feelings, accept them, and then work on guiding your mindset in a more positive direction."

"Life Is Much Bigger Than Breaking"

Beyond technical execution and competitive strategies, Hiro10 left the young athletes with a profound life lesson, one rooted in gratitude and perspective.

"Always be grateful to your parents, your friends, your teammates, and everyone who supports you... Never take for granted the fact that you are able to dance and pursue Breaking today."

Most importantly, he reminded them not to let competition results dictate their self-worth.

"Breaking is only one part of our lives. Life is much bigger than Breaking. Even if you lose a competition, or you don’t dance the way you wanted to, remember: 'It’s just Breaking. It’s only one part of my life.' You can still care deeply about winning without letting the result control your happiness or your identity."

Looking Ahead: Tomorrow's Battles Begin

The stage is officially set. Tomorrow, 12 November, the Complex Tour de l'Oeuf comes alive as the world's best young B-Boys and B-Girls step onto the floor for the opening Battles of Breaking at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics.

Armed with Hiro10’s wisdom, these athletes step into the spotlight not just to chase medals, but to share their culture with the world. You can follow the competition live from WDSF channels and Olympics.

You can follow B-Boy Hiro10, WDSF Athlete Role Model for 2026 Youth Olympic Games on social media: @bboyhiro10