Meet The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Athletes: B-Girl Reese, A True Calling

MAKING HISTORY IN MALAYSIAN BREAKING, B-GIRL REESE IS ABOUT TO STAND ON THE OLYMPIC STAGE.

Tia Clarissa Jia Yi, also known in Breaking as B-Girl Reese, is writing a historic chapter for her nation’s Breaking community. Born in 2009, Reese discovered her passion on the cypher early. The dream of stepping onto the Olympic stage has guided her career since an early age.

“To be an Olympian one day”, she says, looking back on an ambition that took root from her very beginnings in Breaking.

Now, five years into her Breaking career, her primary inspiration remains her coach and mentor, LegoSam, whose own international involvement in Breaking serves as a major turning point in Reese’s competitive mindset, and who also has carried the representation of Southeast Asian Breaking at elite international Battles

“When he participated in the Breaking for Gold Series to qualify for Paris 2024, I wished I was older, and I could join him”, Reese added.

What once felt like a distant ambition and what she describes as a “once in a lifetime opportunity” has transformed into her reality. Standing on the verge of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, she is determined to leave everything on the floor and carry the Malaysian flag with pride.

Meet The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Athletes: B-Girl Reese, A True Calling

Breaking: Her Calling

In December 2020, Reese took her first steps in Breaking, uncovering a passion that quickly evolved into a true calling. Her growth was essentially immediate: only 5 weeks into her journey, she debuted in a Battle and won the B-Girl category. Just 5 months after that, she climbed to the top of Malaysia’s rankings by securing 1^st place in the National Breaking Championship. One year later, she won again the same title.

Her trajectory portrays an undeniable gift fueled by dedication. However, that national crown was the spark that shifted her career. Her achievements on home soil made her realize her true calling was beyond national borders, setting her goal of becoming an elite, world-renowned B-Girl.

“I was determined to focus on Breaking and compete at bigger stages” – B-Girl Reese

Meet The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games Athletes: B-Girl Reese, A True Calling

Carrying The Growth Of Breaking In Malaysia: A Legacy

B-Girl Reese speaks of her local Breaking scene with genuine reverence, recognizing it as the foundation of her identity on the floor. Within Malaysia’s competitive landscape, she holds a unique and historic position as both the youngest and only female member of her country’s most important Breaking crews: Cypherz Kingz.

“I am blessed to represent Cypherz Kingz and my nation on a global stage.”, B-Girl Reese adds.

Reese is writing her own path and also forging a new chapter for female Breakers across the region. Stepping onto Dakar’s world stage, her objective is unmistakable: to build on that foundation and position Malaysian Breaking on the world map.

Beyond The Podium

B-Girl Reese approaches her craft with total dedication, aligning both her short- and long-term goals around high-performance DanceSport. Her eyes are turned toward the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games; regardless of Breaking’s programme status for that edition, her Olympic dream remains big as she enters the Adult category and grows more mature in Breaking.

Back in Malaysia, her dedication to the local Breaking scene remains a priority. Reese plans to expand her legacy by sharing her experience and knowledge with younger Breaking generations. Whether this is sharing her dance through teaching, classes, or workshops, her objective is clear: “inspire younger dancers and help them grow their potential”, Reese states.

B-Girl Reese shares her deepest appreciation for everyone who stood next to her throughout her Breaking journey. “I am here today because of you!”.

Looking ahead, and just weeks before the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, she extends an encouraging message to Breakers around the world, reminding them that greatness comes through trusting the process and pursuing your passion, as in the end Reese is an example of this.

“If you believe in yourself, you are already halfway there” – B-Girl Reese.