Tough competitors are best of frenemies

In parkour speed events, athletes face two opponents: the clock and the competitor in the adjacent lane. While the final time determines the result, runners remain acutely aware of their rival's movements — adding an extra layer of intensity.

The Chengdu World Games women's speed final delivered a thrilling rematch between Sweden's Miranda Tibbling and the Netherlands' Noa Man. They started side-by-side, but Tibbling crossed the finish line 1.05 seconds faster, claiming the gold and leaving Man with silver — a carbon copy of their 2022 World Games podium positions in Birmingham, Alabama, where Man had topped Tibbling in freestyle, just a day before losing to her in speed.

"It's nice, because if we're in the finals together, we can go faster. We're pushing each other to become better," said Man.