‘Not an Olympic sport’: Chinese netizens fume after Liu failed to reach breaking final
- Known as B-Girl 671, she lost in the semi-finals, but went on to win her bronze battle with the Netherlands’ India Sardjoe
Chinese social media users questioned whether breaking dance should be an Olympic sport after China’s Liu Qingyi lost her semi-final in the first-ever inclusion of breaking at the Games.
Liu, known as B-Girl 671, was beaten by Nicka – Lithuania’s Dominika Banevic, but went on to clinch bronze, beating the Netherlands’ India Sardjoe.
Banevic was later defeated by Japan’s Ami Yuasa in the final to take home silver.
“I think I did more difficult tricks than other dancers and I did some powerful moves,” Liu told reporters. “But maybe judges today value something more than that. I can only do my best.”
While the majority appreciated the excitement of the event and were happy about Liu’s achievements on Chinese social media, some cast doubt on ruling, with suggestions decisions were based entirely on the judges’ preference.
“I am so surprised by the semi-final result, especially the voting in the first round,” one Weibo user wrote. “I think Liu has the ability to get into the final.”
