Breaking’s rising star, Dominika Banevič, knows all too well about believing in yourself and achieving success from a young age. The Lithuanian teenager, who goes by B-Girl Nicka, prepares for her debut at the Paris Games as the defending world champion, with aspirations of Olympic glory.
From Cartoons to Champion
Dominika Banevič’s journey began with curiosity while watching cartoons online. At just five years old, she stumbled upon a breaking video on YouTube, captivating her with its head spins and “crazy moves.” Despite her mother Alina’s initial skepticism, Banevič’s passion was undeniable. By eight, she was attending breaking classes and rapidly advancing in the sport. “I was amazed and fascinated,” she recalled. I was already obsessed.”
Training and Early Competitions
Banevič’s dedication was evident from the beginning. Her first coach, Jegenij Kirjanov, laid the foundations of her breaking style. Though their partnership ended after three years, Kirjanov remained an idol for Banevič. Transitioning from local two-on-two competitions to solo events, she became the first B-girl to win the Lithuanian national championship in 2020. Her journey was marked by relentless practice and a love for the art of breaking. “It’s important to me to feel connected to the music,” she explained.
Overcoming Challenges
Qualifying for the Olympics was no easy feat. Banevič faced setbacks, notably losing by a single point in the semifinals of the 2023 European Games. However, she turned this defeat into a learning experience. “I realized I have to take this lesson and learn,” she said. Determined to succeed, Banevič focused on mental preparation and secured her spot by winning the world championship in September. “I believed I could win because that spot at the Olympics mattered to me,” she stated.
Carrying a Nation’s Hopes
Lithuania has had limited Olympic success, with only six gold medals since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. Banevič carries the weight of national expectation as one of Lithuania’s brightest hopes for a gold medal in Paris. “It’s such a big honor to hear the anthem, see the flag rising,” she expressed. Her drive to succeed is fueled by national pride and the desire to inspire others. “It doesn’t matter where you come from; you can always achieve anything because everything is possible,” she believes.
Aiming for Olympic History
Banevič’s ambition is clear: to make history as the first B-girl to win an Olympic gold medal. She is currently ranked third in the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF) rankings and is a frontrunner in breaking Olympic debut. “My goal is to write history,” she told CNN Sport. Despite the uncertainty of breaking its inclusion in future Olympics, Banevič remains focused on her career and maintaining her status at the top of the sport. “What matters to me is to stay at the top of the game in breaking for many years,” she emphasized.
Relentless Preparation
Banevič has dedicated her life to rigorous training to achieve her Olympic dreams. She has taken a gap year from school to focus solely on breaking, training six hours daily, and working on her strength and conditioning. Her commitment is unwavering, driven by her love for the sport. “I always say when you do what you love, it shouldn’t matter how tired or exhausted your body feels – your soul is happy,” she explained.
Dominika Banevič’s journey from watching YouTube videos to becoming a world champion and Olympic hopeful is a testament to her dedication and passion for breaking. As she aims to “write history” at the Paris Games, Banevič continues to inspire her nation and the world with her remarkable story.
