Hong Kong Plumber's Breakdancing Journey: From Dreams to City Talent Development

Plumber by day and breakdancer by night, Cheung Cheuk Man, also known as 'Ex,' had dreams of competing in the Olympics when breaking makes its debut at the Paris Games. Despite finishing 52nd at the Olympic qualification event in Hong Kong and 130th globally, he missed out on the opportunity to showcase his skills on the world stage this summer.

Disappointed by the missed Olympic berth, Cheung Cheuk Man now focuses on nurturing Hong Kong's next generation of talent in dance sport. He hopes to help develop the city's budding breakdancers and contribute to the growth of the sport locally.

Despite facing challenges like a lack of coaches, funding, and formal training over the past 15 years, Cheung has dedicated himself to mastering breakdancing and is determined not to give up.

Cheung, who currently relies on his day job to afford rent for his small apartment in Kwai Chung, dreams of one day competing in the Olympics and considers it a possibility that would make his journey even more extraordinary.

I'm realizing that I'm getting older. If I continue pushing myself as hard as I used to, I might not be able to keep up.

That being said, I don't plan on giving up dancing completely. Instead, I'm considering transitioning to the next phase of my career, which involves teaching and mentoring the younger dancers.

The next generation of talented dancers may not have the opportunity to compete for Olympic gold. Breaking was included in the Paris program in 2020, but unfortunately, it has been removed for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

Having represented Hong Kong in competitions across the globe, Cheung emphasized the importance of giving breaking as much exposure as possible to help it thrive.

Cheung, with tattooed arms and silver tunnel earrings, emphasized the importance of showcasing our work to others in order to promote our culture.

He also highlighted the positive aspect of competing with world-class individuals in the field of dance. According to him, dancing serves as a form of communication that does not require words, making it a truly positive experience.

Editor's P/S:

Cheung Cheuk Man's dedication to breakdancing, despite the challenges and setbacks he has faced, is truly inspiring. His passion for the sport and his determination to succeed are evident in his efforts to master the art form and to nurture the next generation of talent in Hong Kong.

While it is unfortunate that breaking has been removed from the program for the 2028 Olympics, Cheung's belief in the importance of giving the sport as much exposure as possible is crucial for its continued growth and development. His emphasis on showcasing breaking to others and his recognition of the positive aspects of competing with world-class individuals highlight the value of the sport beyond the competitive realm. Cheung's legacy as a breakdancer and mentor will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing success and recognition of the sport in Hong Kong and beyond.