Moroccan Trailblazer Fatima Zahra El Mamouny: Aiming for Olympic Gold in Breaking at Paris 2024
The day Fatima Zahra El Mamouny secured her spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics will forever be etched in her memory. As the first woman worldwide to qualify for the breaking competition, her achievement was even more poignant as it coincided with her father’s surgery.
“I was overwhelmed with emotions. On the same day of the African championship, I received the call, and I wondered if I could even dance while my father was in the hospital,” shared B-Girl El Mamouny, her competitive moniker. But her father’s words, urging her to win for him, gave her the strength she needed. And she did just that, clinching victory at the continental championships in Rabat.
Her win marked a significant moment not just for her, but for women across North Africa, breaking down barriers and changing perceptions about women in breaking. “It was the greatest moment of my life,” the 25-year-old reflected. “My father watched me live from the hospital, and when I presented him the medal, the happiness in his eyes was indescribable.”
A Pioneer in Breaking
El Mamouny’s triumph at the 2023 African title didn’t just signify her personal victory—it was a monumental achievement for Morocco as a whole. Alongside her, B-Boy Billy, another Moroccan, secured his place in the men’s event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. They became the first qualifiers for breaking’s Olympic debut.
Selma Bennani, president of Morocco’s Federation for Aerobic, Fitness, Hip Hop, and Related Sports, has been a driving force behind the growth of breaking in Morocco. Her journey began 28 years ago when she returned from the United States with a vision to promote hip-hop culture in her home country.
“I’m not just proud; I’m overwhelmed with happiness. Hip hop and breaking have been my fight since the founding of this federation,” Bennani shared. Despite facing resistance and rejection, particularly as a woman championing what was considered a male-dominated culture, Bennani’s perseverance paid off.
Today, she not only promotes breaking as a sport but also as a tool for education and potential employment for women across the region. Seeing Moroccan athletes compete on the Olympic stage will be a deeply emotional experience for her, representing a victory not just for Morocco, but for the entire African continent.
Breaking: A Dance, an Art, a Sport
B-Girl El Mamouny is passionate about dispelling misconceptions surrounding breaking. “Breaking is not a bad thing; it’s a sport, a dance, and an art,” she emphasized. She challenges skeptics to try the complex moves themselves, which require immense physical strength and skill.
As she gears up for the Olympic competition, which will take place at Place de la Concorde in Paris, El Mamouny is dedicating herself to rigorous training. Under the guidance of her coach, B-Boy Kaw, she trains three to four hours daily, focusing on physical conditioning, execution, and the intricate flow of her moves.
Her street dance persona, B-Girl, empowers her, allowing her to express emotions that she might shy away from in her everyday life. “I’m a shy person, but when I dance, I transform. I can be anyone—angry, happy, powerful,” she explained.
As she prepares to represent Morocco on August 9th, El Mamouny is driven by the support of her fellow Moroccans and a desire to inspire other women to take up breaking. “This will have a positive impact on Moroccan girls who are hesitant to pursue breaking because of societal pressures,” she believes.
For now, B-Girl El Mamouny is focused on training hard, determined to make history at the Paris 2024 Olympics.