Leaps of faith

Many parkour athletes in Chengdu made the jump after quitting more conventional sports

Against the serene backdrop of Xinglonghu Lake, the parkour competition at the Chengdu World Games erupted with energy — pulsating music and an MC's fiery commentary fueling athletes as they transformed the course into a stage for gravity-defying artistry.

Many competitors arrived with backgrounds in disciplines like gymnastics and climbing — now channeling their skills into parkour's philosophy of fluid movement, personal creativity and tight-knit community.

Representing China in women's freestyle in Chengdu, Shang Chunsong made history in November 2024 by claiming gold at the FIG Parkour World Championships in Kitakyushu, Japan — China's first-ever world title in the sport.