Melanson winning nationals in Vancouver

By Lisa Parent

Local breakdancer dominates national stage, takes home championship title

Jul 4, 2023 | 6:44 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A local breakdancer is riding a high after coming in first place at Nationals at the end of June. Asher Melanson aka Bboy Ash1 traveled to Vancouver to compete against breakers from age 10-13.

He got the invite to nationals after collecting points from five events this year. This big win also came shortly after Melanson won the youth competition at The Last Standing, Canada’s largest breaking conference that took place in Medicine Hat early June.

Melanson spent the weekend in Vancouver competing, but also attended open breaking sessions in between competition. He says he also had the opportunity to see the ocean, and tour downtown Vancouver.

But the highlight of the weekend was becoming the best in the country for his age, and celebrating with his dad.

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“I felt like nervous and excited at the same time because I kind of thought I won, but I kind of thought I didn’t, so I just sitting there, just praying,” Melanson explained.

He added, “right when like the judges picked me, I didn’t even get to look at the screen. All I saw was my dad pick me up and throw me in the air.”

Melanson’s father picking him up after winning nationals

Melanson’s next big goal is to qualify for the Youth Olympics in 2026.