The stunning moves of b-boys and b-girls earned deafening applause from an appreciative crowd at the Youth Games. [Photo by Lu Lin for China Daily]

Yu is not alone. Zhang Xinjie, who lost to him in a one-on-one battle for bronze, is likewise determined to reach the top of the summit.

"I practice at a club every day after school," said the ninth grader from Henan province." I'm working hard to become a professional b-boy. Apart from all the body strength and skill training, the hardest part is just to persevere. My dream is to be selected for the national team and to dance at the Olympics."

Discovering new talent is a major goal for Danny Wang Shenjiong, a judge at the Youth Games and one of China's top breaking dancers.

"Break dancing's journey to the Olympics will be tough and there will be huge challenges for the competitors," said Wang. "We need to prepare ourselves as early as possible to overcome the difficulties that lie ahead.

"I believe the dancers here at the Youth Games are the best of their age groups across China. This is a great opportunity for the public to get to know and embrace breaking - and it's great motivation for Chinese b-boys and b-girls.

"We want to encourage them to pursue careers in breaking. Taking part in major events like the Youth Games should be their goal. We hope they can dance at higher and higher levels."

If the passion shown by breakers at these Games is any gauge, the IOC is achieving its goal of greater engagement with the younger generation.

"The four sports that Paris has proposed are all totally in line with Olympic Agenda 2020 because they contribute to making the program more gender balanced and more urban, and they offer the opportunity to connect with the younger generation," IOC president Thomas Bach said earlier this year.

"The proposed sports are in line with these principles and enhance Paris 2024's overall dynamic concept, which focuses on inclusivity, inspiring a new audience and hosting socially responsible Games."

Contact the writer at shifutian@chinadaily.com.cn