Photo 1: He Yiyu Wins First Place
Parkour is a globally popular extreme sport that uses everyday environments as its playground, relying on one's physical ability to swiftly and skillfully navigate through obstacles. As the highest-level parkour competition in China, the Red Bull Parkour Competition has been held for three consecutive years. Although parkour emphasizes spontaneity and everyday settings, this year’s event was intentionally held near iconic urban cultural landmarks, blending this trendy sport with a rich artistic atmosphere. Here, parkour athletes can not only experience the culture of Xi’an, a world-famous ancient capital, but also unleash boundless creativity and performance.
On the afternoon of the 8th, following the established rules and accompanied by high-energy music, the 24 athletes first competed in the qualifying round, each choosing their own route and moves within a one-minute time limit. Judges scored participants based on difficulty, creativity, fluidity, and performance, selecting the top 12 to advance to the elimination round. During the knockout stage, the top 12 competed in head-to-head matchups according to seeding, narrowing down to 6 finalists. The final six then each performed solo routines, with three judges scoring to determine the top three.
The first highlight came during the elimination match between Nanjing’s Li Yiqi and Xi’an’s Chen Kaituo. Both are technically skilled athletes, and the first 30 seconds of their duel quickly turned into a tight contest. After both completed their runs, the judges requested an additional 30-second showdown to break the tie. In the end, Li Yiqi won by a narrow margin with his calm demeanor and fewer mistakes.
On the afternoon of the 8th, following the established rules and accompanied by high-energy music, the 24 athletes first competed in the qualifying round, each choosing their own route and moves within a one-minute time limit. Judges scored participants based on difficulty, creativity, fluidity, and performance, selecting the top 12 to advance to the elimination round. During the knockout stage, the top 12 competed in head-to-head matchups according to seeding, narrowing down to 6 finalists. The final six then each performed solo routines, with three judges scoring to determine the top three.
The first highlight came during the elimination match between Nanjing’s Li Yiqi and Xi’an’s Chen Kaituo. Both are technically skilled athletes, and the first 30 seconds of their duel quickly turned into a tight contest. After both completed their runs, the judges requested an additional 30-second showdown to break the tie. In the end, Li Yiqi won by a narrow margin with his calm demeanor and fewer mistakes.
Photo 2: Meng Chaozhi During the Competition
He Yiyu, the top contender for the Xi’an stop title, is a professional parkour athlete whose best previous result at the Red Bull Parkour Competition was runner-up in 2014. In 2012, He Yiyu tore the ligament in his left ankle while practicing a “dash jump cat hang” move and had to rest for half a year before recovering. Still, he remained committed to the sport, achieving a series of impressive results through hard work. At the Xi’an stop, He Yiyu leveraged his extensive competitive experience, maintaining stability, fluidity, safety, and difficulty throughout to keep the lead, ultimately winning the championship with a 4-meter wall push followed by a descent move.
One of the biggest highlights of the 2015 Red Bull Parkour Competition Xi’an Stop for both enthusiasts and professionals was the chance to meet and learn from Russian parkour legend Oleg (Oleg Cricket) — who served as the head judge for the event. Though unable to perform due to injury, Oleg provided thoughtful feedback to every athlete. He expressed surprise at the enthusiastic audience, saying he’d never performed for such a large crowd before: “Chinese parkour athletes are truly amazing. Parkour itself is a lifestyle that allows you to unleash your energy and challenge life’s limits.” He also advised Chinese parkour enthusiasts that mastering difficult moves requires a gradual and continuous process — rushing leads to mistakes, and safety must always come first.
Oleg gained international fame in the parkour community for a front flip over a vehicle — among all obstacle flips, front flips are considered the most challenging. Later, he took on even riskier stunts, performing high-altitude flips and rapid descents, with jaw-dropping visuals. His passion for parkour runs deep, and his boundless energy makes him a living legend. His signature moves have become classic training material for aspiring parkour athletes.
One of the biggest highlights of the 2015 Red Bull Parkour Competition Xi’an Stop for both enthusiasts and professionals was the chance to meet and learn from Russian parkour legend Oleg (Oleg Cricket) — who served as the head judge for the event. Though unable to perform due to injury, Oleg provided thoughtful feedback to every athlete. He expressed surprise at the enthusiastic audience, saying he’d never performed for such a large crowd before: “Chinese parkour athletes are truly amazing. Parkour itself is a lifestyle that allows you to unleash your energy and challenge life’s limits.” He also advised Chinese parkour enthusiasts that mastering difficult moves requires a gradual and continuous process — rushing leads to mistakes, and safety must always come first.
Oleg gained international fame in the parkour community for a front flip over a vehicle — among all obstacle flips, front flips are considered the most challenging. Later, he took on even riskier stunts, performing high-altitude flips and rapid descents, with jaw-dropping visuals. His passion for parkour runs deep, and his boundless energy makes him a living legend. His signature moves have become classic training material for aspiring parkour athletes.
Photo 3: Athletes Competing in the Event
Notably, Zhang Shupeng, China’s first wingsuit pilot, appeared at the event as a judge, focusing on evaluating the athletes’极限 spirit and mastery of movement techniques.
Many people view parkour simply as a dangerous sport, but for professionals, it is known as the “art of movement.” This sport not only promotes physical fitness for young people but also emphasizes self-breakthrough, overcoming challenges, and transforming one’s character and attitude. Each year, the Red Bull Parkour Competition produces a new wave of talented athletes who go on to pursue parkour professionally. Ten of the athletes at the Xi’an stop were born after 1995 — young, bold, adventurous, and innovative. They are becoming the driving force behind the development of new trend sports and urban extreme sports.
Many people view parkour simply as a dangerous sport, but for professionals, it is known as the “art of movement.” This sport not only promotes physical fitness for young people but also emphasizes self-breakthrough, overcoming challenges, and transforming one’s character and attitude. Each year, the Red Bull Parkour Competition produces a new wave of talented athletes who go on to pursue parkour professionally. Ten of the athletes at the Xi’an stop were born after 1995 — young, bold, adventurous, and innovative. They are becoming the driving force behind the development of new trend sports and urban extreme sports.