Competition, results, wins and victories are not the words that are usually heard when Freerunners congregate. Instead they tend to talk about pleasure, elegance, fluidity and efficiency. Even though the “Traceurs” prefer not to view themselves as athletes, their performances are nevertheless bursting with world class athleticism. They leap from rooftop to rooftop, scamper up trees, balance themselves on exposed obstacles in urban jungles while all the while completing series of daring flips, spins and flick-flacks.

At the Red Bull Art of Motion on the Greek island of Santorini, the world’s best urban artists attempted to blend art and sports together in the unique ambience of the immaculate white city perched on the rocky cliffs. Rooftops, domes, terraces and swimming pools were all part of the 200-meter long course with a height differential of 50 meters that the athletes had to master within a two-minute time limit.

Pavels Petkuns, a 20-year-old from Latvia, completed his run through the Parcour with the most spectacular, elegant and fluid style – and ended up finishing the final run, like the rest of his counterparts, with a stylish dive into the swimming pool.

Results: 1. Pavels Petkuns (LAT), 2. Yoann Leroux (FRA), 3. Gaetan (BEL), 4. Jason Paul (GER), 5. Paulo Tavares (SUI), 6. Marcus Gustafsson (SWE), 7. Kie Willies (GBR), 8. Pip Andersson (GBR).

„Mini Sickest Trick“: Paulo Tavares (SUI)

Pictures: Daniel Grund and Samo Vidic for Global-Newsroom