Benji's Breakdancing Story Toward Olympic Glory

Benji Cogdell-Baird’s success is nothing short of inspirational. As a Year 9 student at King’s, Benji discovered the physically demanding discipline of breakdancing at a young age and trains himself at home without a coach. Last weekend, Benji showcased his incredible talent by competing in the 'Oceania Breaking Championships,' with a hope of securing direct entry into the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Benji was the youngest competitor and the only athlete from Queensland, and he successfully defeated his older rivals throughout the rounds, to finish the competition with an incredible silver medal. Congratulations Benji! This achievement didn’t secure direct entry but qualified him for the two-part Olympic Qualifier Series in May and June in 2024. The 'OQS' will bring together the world's best break-dancers in Shanghai and Budapest as they compete for the remaining 14 Olympic Games places available.

The sport has been experiencing explosive growth, as seen with 4,000 Olympic breakdancing tickets in just 15 seconds! Benji's journey and talent is a source of immense pride for King’s and for Queensland. His unwavering dedication is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance, and it's a journey worth following as he continues to chase his Olympic dreams. We wish you all the best Benji!