Should Parkor otherwise known as FreeRunning be in the Olympics? If so, how would it work? Would a course be constructed? What kind of things should judges look for? I personally think it would be amazing to watch. What do you all think?
As somebody who does both free-running and Parkour (if you want to say there's a difference...some certainly will insist), I'd say that the inclusion of Parkour in the games would certainly be a controversial inclusion. Particularly if it were to be judged on technique and form, as this would detract from something also central to the movement: personalisation.
I was actually thinking about this earlier today so I'm stoked to see the thread, and just earlier in the week saying that good traceurs could probably give the pros a run for their money in the steeplechase. But something more free-running, I thought that would look absolutely sweet although on further consideration, I don't think the community would be ready for that for a long time yet.
It might in the future seeing as the community will grow and change and so too will the dynamics. The original insistence on spontanaeity and independence may be lost in the subsequent commercialisation and organisation of the forms. As somebody who did these things before he was even aware of Foucan and Belle's coinage, I'd say that they already took that double-edged step by naming techniques, forever embalming free expression in the bounds of formality (something akin to what Sartre did to existentialism).
The other concern is that parkour and free running is demonstrably more dangerous than most of the other sports, frequently resulting in severe injury and sometimes death. If an additional competitive pressure were taken, you can be sure that a lot of people are going to die, and the IOC certainly can't have that.
Yeah, that is a great idea. We should add Parkour to the Olympics! Then we can have a cartwheel contest. We can have a bake off with our EZ Bake Ovens and ExtremeHop scotch. You guys better stay tuned so you don't miss the finals for the Play Doh build off. Phew, the Olympics are heating up!
I think the age restriction for long distance urination should be under 9. Because we all know that the primary school kids dominate at it and once you're past that stage, you think it's gross and you're well over the hill.
I wouldn't mind it being an olympic sport, but the only way we could have it an olympic sport and remain true to the philosophy would be to create it like ninja warrior -_-; if you havn't seen the japanese show, check it out. You'll love it. It's not me against you, but me against this course. There's time limits and everything. The competitors support each other. It's beautiful. There could be 1 or two or none who get past the course. Parkour has roots in method natural. It's really the same thing. MovNat is another discipline that has stemmed from method natural. How can you really take something so fundamental to the human spirit and reduce it to competition. What i am concerned about is that this sport will become too competitive. Too much competition can create unbalance, repetitive strain injuries, pushing too hard, withholding to stay on top, and imprison the mind with visions of bettering others. I'm also concerned the competition would take over with so much funding that people start building gyms and teams and take over publicity. The negative impact can trickle on down to kids who just want to be free and move. The pressure put on gymnasts is an excellent example. I'd like to see a sport that remains true to good and free philosophy. I'm not against playful competition. A little competition like a game of tag can motivate and push a person when a person wants that to improve himself. Now, Practicing parkour to improve and be free can help a person reclaim balance, not feel pressured, and develop an inclination to see others improve which generally makes our environment and our world a better place. If because of this, parkour becomes different than it is now, then it can no longer be called parkour or natural movement with authenticity, and a division will occur. I for one will continue practicing to see myself and the world improve, be strong, and be free
Parkour and Freerunning are NOT the same thing, trust me, I would know. And it would be fun to add Parkour to the Olympics, but as for now, I like thw whole freedom and non-competition setting Parkour has to it.
