VAN GORP LOVES THE FREEDOM IN BREAKING

Dutch three-time world champion excited about the sport’s Olympic inclusion in Paris

- Kimberly Kwek

Once the music is on and Menno van Gorp is on the dance floor, nothing else matters.

Breaking is more than just a hobby for the Dutch b-boy, who has come a long way since picking it up in 2000.

The 35-year-old has built an illustrious career, winning three world championship titles and is at the Paris Olympics, where breaking is making its debut.

He told The Straits Times: "Breaking has always been my meditation, it's definitely my outlet, it's an expression and I enjoy practising very much.

"I think that's why I'm so consistent for so many years... because I enjoy the process of creating and practising more than anything.

"Breaking and putting those practices and creations in effect have made me win a lot of competitions and kept me relevant and gave me the opportunity to keep doing this full-time as a living." Van Gorp began breaking in 2000, just as it started gaining popularity in his hometown Tilburg.

With everyone around him, including his two older cousins,breaking, van Gorp got into it too.