American breaker Sunny Choi leaves the Paris Olympics empty-handed after being eliminated in the quarterfinals. Despite quitting her corporate job to pursue her Olympic dream, Choi remains determined to forge a new path in dance.
American breaker Sunny Choi's Olympic journey came to an end in the quarterfinals, leaving her without a medal and an uncertain future in the sport.
Choi, 35, quit her job as a marketing executive at Estée Lauder in early 2023 to focus on breaking. She hoped to make history as part of the United States' first-ever Olympic breaking team.
American Breaker Sunny Choi Embraces Uncertainty After Olympic Elimination
However, her Olympic run ended prematurely when she finished third in her group, missing out on a spot in the knockout stage.
"It wasn't enough to earn me a spot in the knockout stage," Choi said. "She ranked third in her respective group but needed a top-two finish."
American Breaker Sunny Choi Embraces Uncertainty After Olympic Elimination
Choi's elimination marks a setback in her Olympic ambitions. However, she remains unwavering in her determination to pursue her passion for dance.
"I have to keep going," Choi said. "I have to keep dancing."
American Breaker Sunny Choi Embraces Uncertainty After Olympic Elimination
Choi's journey to the Olympics required significant sacrifices. She gave up financial stability and the comforts of her corporate lifestyle to pursue her dream.
"I literally worked my whole entire life to have that financial stability, and then to give it up for this dream that may or may not happen was really, really scary," Choi said earlier this year.
Choi also acknowledged the challenges of balancing her Olympic aspirations with her personal life.
"As a breaker, I was just like, ‘I don’t see how this is going to be possible.' And then there are other factors. Like I want to have kids at some point, and I'm 35 now. So, it's like, ‘Am I willing to wait several more years?’" Choi said.
Despite the uncertainty, Choi remains optimistic about the future. She plans to open her dance studio in Queens, New York, and continue teaching and mentoring the next generation of breakers.
"I really want to shift gears and give feedback and teach the next generation the things that I've learned along the journey," Choi said.
Choi's business experience from her corporate career will serve her well in her future endeavors.
"I myself am just lucky that I did work in corporate, and I do have background knowledge in marketing, project management, and operations, so that will help me in the long run," Choi said.
While Choi's Olympic dream remains unfulfilled, she embraces the uncertainty that lies ahead.
"I don't know what the next chapter is going to be, but I'm excited to find out," Choi said.
The future may hold more Olympic opportunities for Choi. Breaking is not included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but it could return at the 2032 Brisbane Games. Choi will be 43 then.
For now, Choi is focused on the present and the legacy she wants to leave in the world of dance.
"I want to be remembered as someone who paved the way for other breakers," Choi said. "I want to be remembered as someone who made a difference."
