Philip Kim aims to inspire next generation of breakers at Olympics

Philip Kim is about to make history as the first Canadian breaker to make it to the Olympics. 

The Vancouver native, known as Phil Wizard, will be competing in the new category of men's breaking, also popularly known as breakdancing, at the Summer Games in Paris next year. 

"To be an Olympic athlete in itself is an incredible honour," he said.

The 26-year-old b-boy wants to use this Olympic opportunity to get more people involved and inspire the next generation of breakers.

"I think it's beautiful to just see how far [breaking] has come."  

Breaking has a history dating back more than 50 years, from its beginnings as a dance in the most underprivileged communities of New York City. Kim is hoping his Olympic experience will continue to move the artform forward.

Kim said he hopes kids who see breaking at such a prestigious event will be inspired to pursue the new sport and take breaking more seriously.

"I think the narrative then changes from 'Really, breaking?' to 'Yes, go for it,' because it's an Olympic sport, because they see this clear pathway." 

Kim officially qualified to compete after winning gold at the Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile, in November. It was also the first time the category was featured in those games.

WATCH | Phil Kim won gold after defeating Jeff Louis of the U.S. in the men's b-boy final at the Pan Am Games:

As one of Canada's original b-boys, Steven Leafloor said he's excited about a possible Olympic medal in breaking for Canada. 

"[Philip] is standing on the shoulders of, even if you look in Canada, 40 years of street dancing history," he said. 

The dance, which originated in the Bronx in New York City in the 1970s with Black and Latino youth, involved dancers jumping in during breaks between songs with a combination of footwork, musicality and acrobatics.

Breaking became a pillar of hip-hop culture and eventually took off into the mainstream.