Teenage breaker Jeff Dunne thanks $1 Million Challenge for making dreams come true

Superstar teen breaker Jeff Dunne never thought he’d compete at Paris 2024.

But he made history by taking part in the first Games breaking event ever - thanks to the Aussie Athlete Fund (AAF), founded by five-time Olympian Natalie Cook OAM OLY.

Now the 16-year-old, who has been breaking since the age of six, is travelling the world competing in back-to-back tournaments and says he owes it all to our $1 Million Challenge, sponsored by Ampol Australia.

The initiative aims to raise $1 million for 100 aspiring athletes annually, with individuals matched to businesses that help them raise $10,000 each.

Jeff, who lives in Casuarina, in northern NSW, and is a student at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar at Terranora, was partnered with The Watch Factory, which donated more than $6,000 to help cover expenses for Paris 2024.

Thanks to some additional independent donations, Jeff is now just $400 away from his $10,000 goal and says he will always be grateful for the chance to compete.

“It’s been such a pleasure to be involved with the AAF and Paris was an amazing experience,” he said.

“I never thought breaking would become an Olympic sport because it’s always been very underground and not as popular as other sports, but this was a chance for me to showcase it to the world. I met so many new people and although I didn’t win a medal it was a reward just to be there.”

Following Paris, Jeff competed in breaking events in Holland, Slovakia and Portugal and Korea.

Mum Rhondda said the whole family was “super proud” of him.

“It’s wonderful to watch him in action,” she said.

“Breaking takes a lot of athleticisms but at the same time creativity. Jeff makes it look physically strong and easy at the same time.”

As well as financial support, the AAF provides additional help through education, teaching athletes how to deal with sponsors and navigate the challenges of life after sport. 

It was launched following Natalie's own experience as an Olympian. After winning a beach volleyball gold medal for Australia at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and making five Olympic squads in a glittering career that also included a bronze medal in 1996, she ended up with a $300,000 debt and had to lean on her father for help.

Natalie said many sportspeople selected to represent Australia were severely hindered by a lack of financial support.

Figures reveal almost half of Australia's best athletes earn below the poverty line threshold, with an annual income of less than $23,000, according to the Australian Sports Foundation.

Natalie said: “After the glory of competing at the Games subsides, there are still bills left to pay and athletes’ thoughts turn to whether it’s worth the sheer cost of slogging through another four years to represent their country at another Olympics.

“The sad reality is that many talented athletes are denied the opportunity to pursue their dreams to represent Australia because they or their families simply can’t afford to fund the escalating costs associated with training and competitions.

“AAF was created to raise hopes, funds, and support to power dreams and create pathways to give talented athletes the best chance at success, regardless of their financial circumstances. 

“We aim to create a sustainable athlete economy so our next generation and those who follow can wear the Green and Gold and then retire, not in debt, but with the education, connections, confidence and skills to use outside of sport.”

Although breaking will not be an event at the next Games, Jeff hopes to see it reinstated for Brisbane 2032. I'm completely committed to my sport,” he said.

“I wake up early before school for practice and even after a long day at school, I put in many hours in the evening to improve and succeed. There is nothing I want more than to one day stand on the podium with a medal.

“I’ll be at my peak in 2032 so watch this space!”