Fatima Zahra El-Mamouny (Arabic: فاطمة الزهراء الماموني, born 20 July 1999) is a Moroccan breakdancer who competes under the nickname Elmamouny. She and fellow breakdancer Bilal Mallakh were the first African breakdancers to ever qualify for the Olympics, and she competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics on 9 August.[1][2]
 El-Mamouny in 2023 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Elmamouny |
| Nationality | Moroccan |
| Born | July 20, 1999 |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Breakdancing |
Career
editEl-Mamouny began breakdancing in the early 2010s, and initially performed with her friends on the street.[1] She has said that she loves breaking because of its diversity and lack of barriers (including gender barriers),[3] and for the confidence it gives her.[2] One author for Forbes described her style as "funky, enthusiastic attitude" and noted she "clearly articulates both shapes and musical accents in her battle rounds".[4]
In 2019, she won the 2019 Red Bull BC One Cypher, which secured her a spot at the 2019 Breaking World Final in Mumbai.[1]
In March 2023, El-Mamouny won the Moroccan National Title in breaking.[1] She then went on in May 2023 to win the inaugural WDSF African Breaking Championship, guaranteeing her a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics.[1][4] This win also made her one of the first two breakdancers to ever qualify for the sport at an Olympic level.[1][5]
El-Mamouny trains for three or four hours each day.[1]
Personal life
editEl-Mamouny hails from the Moroccan capital, Rabat.[1] In addition to breaking, El-Mamouny also dances in Afro, hip hop, and popping styles.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h Jiwani, Rory (2023-05-18). "Moroccan B-Girl Elmamouny wants to conquer the world". Olympics.
- ^ a b Ladha, Nishat (2024-08-08). "Olympic breaking: Moroccan B-Girl El Mamouny chasing historic gold". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ a b "Interview : Fatima Zahra Elmamouny". Federation Royal Marocaine des Sports Aérobics Fitness et HipHop (in French). Retrieved 2024-07-07.
- ^ a b Pu, Jason (2024-04-17). "12 Breakers Competing At The 2024 Olympics". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
- ^ Palmer, Dan (2023-05-17). "Moroccans make history as first to qualify for the Olympics in breaking". www.insidethegames.biz. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
External links
edit