Sunny Choi Olympic Breakdancing: A Journey from Corporate Success to Olympic Dreams
Sunny Choi’s Olympic breakdancing journey is a remarkable tale of courage, ambition, and sacrifice. Leaving behind a lucrative career in marketing, Choi set her sights on representing the United States as a breaker in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, has inspired many to pursue their dreams, no matter the cost.
The Decision to Leave Corporate Success Behind
Sunny Choi’s Olympic breakdancing journey began with a life-altering decision. In January 2023, Choi resigned from her prestigious position as Director of Global Creative Operations for Skin Care at Estée Lauder, the world’s second-largest cosmetics company. This was no ordinary career move. It was a leap of faith into the uncertain world of competitive breakdancing, a sport making its Olympic debut in Paris.
Choi’s corporate career had provided her with financial stability, a comfortable lifestyle, and the ability to indulge in life’s luxuries. “I literally worked my whole entire life to have that financial stability, and then to give it up for this dream that may or may not happen was really, really scary,” Choi shared during the USOPC media summit on April 16. The thought of leaving her comfortable life behind for a dream that might not come true was daunting.
But Choi knew that pursuing her passion for breakdancing meant making sacrifices. As a 35-year-old, she was acutely aware of the ticking biological clock. “I want to have kids at some point, and I’m 35 now. So, it’s like, ‘Am I willing to wait several more years?’” Choi confessed. The Olympics threw a wrench into her plans, forcing her to prioritize her dream over other life goals.
The Challenges of Transitioning to Full-Time Breaking
Sunny Choi’s Olympic breakdancing journey was anything but easy. The transition from a stable corporate job to the unpredictable world of competitive breakdancing was fraught with challenges. Choi spent an entire year contemplating her decision to leave Estée Lauder. When she finally informed her employer of her plans, she gave several months’ notice, understanding the gravity of her choice.
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“My boss was like, ‘I really want you to stay, but I have no business asking you to stay given what you’re leaving for,’” Choi recalled. This support from her boss underscored the magnitude of Choi’s decision. She wasn’t just leaving a job; she was leaving a successful career to chase a dream.
The financial implications of this decision were significant. Choi had to be financially prepared for a year of training and competing. “I was comfortable. I could buy whatever I wanted. I shopped at Whole Foods,” Choi reminisced about her corporate life. But breakdancing required a different kind of financial planning. She had to cover her own travel expenses, pay for training facilities, and fund her entire Olympic campaign.
At one point, Choi’s savings were nearly depleted, forcing her to consider lifestyle changes. Fortunately, she secured sponsorships from Nike and Samsung, which provided the financial support she needed to continue her journey. “I was able to save money by training at public community centers,” Choi shared, highlighting the lengths she went to keep her dream alive.
Competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics
Sunny Choi’s Olympic breaking career starting in style. 🔥#ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/Ogzmde5Nc0
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 9, 2024
Sunny Choi’s Olympic breakdancing journey culminated in her participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics. As a member of the United States’ first-ever Olympic breaking team, Choi was determined to make her mark on the global stage.
Her Olympic journey was filled with highs and lows. Choi’s performance in the round-robin stage saw her defeating Portugal’s Vanessa with a 2-0 victory. Despite this win, Choi ranked third in her group, narrowly missing the top-two finish required to advance to the knockout stage. It was a heartbreaking outcome for Choi, who had poured her heart and soul into this moment.
Reflecting on her Olympic experience, Choi acknowledged the challenges she faced. “As a breaker, I was just like, ‘I don’t see how this is going to be possible,’” Choi admitted. The intense competition, combined with the physical and mental demands of the sport, tested her limits. Yet, despite the setback, Choi remains proud of what she accomplished.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Sunny Choi?
While Sunny Choi’s Olympic breakdancing journey in Paris ended without a medal, her story is far from over. Choi has always been clear about her post-Olympic plans. In April, she revealed her intention to open a dance studio in Queens, New York. “I do still plan to dance, but I really want to shift gears and give feedback and teach the next generation the things that I’ve learned along the journey,” Choi explained.
The establishment of a dance studio is a natural progression for Choi, who has always been passionate about sharing her knowledge and skills with others. However, she is also realistic about the financial challenges of building a career in dance. “Making money off my sport depends so much on the visibility of my own personal brand,” Choi said, recognizing the importance of marketing in sustaining her new career.
Despite the uncertainties, Choi is confident that her background in marketing, project management, and operations will serve her well in her future endeavors. “I myself am just lucky that I did work in corporate, and I do have background knowledge in marketing, project management, and operations, so that will help me in the long run,” she said.
Choi’s focus now is on building her dance career, but the door to the corporate world remains slightly ajar. “If I do [return to marketing], it means something went wrong with the dancing career,” she admitted. For Choi, success in dance would mean not only personal fulfillment but also financial independence.
The Future of Sunny Choi Olympic Breakdancing
The future of Sunny Choi’s Olympic breakdancing career is uncertain. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will not include breakdancing as a sport, meaning Choi’s next possible shot at Olympic glory could be in 2032 at the Brisbane Summer Games. By then, Choi will be 43 years old—a fact that doesn’t deter her from dreaming of a comeback.
Choi’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and the willingness to take risks. Whether she continues to compete, builds a successful dance studio, or returns to the corporate world, Choi’s legacy as a pioneer in Olympic breakdancing will endure.
Sunny Choi’s Olympic breakdancing story serves as an inspiration to all who dare to dream big. Her journey reminds us that the pursuit of a dream, no matter how uncertain or challenging, is always worth it. As Choi herself said, “I just have to. I have to try. I have to stop stopping myself.”
