Watching freer running and jumping competitions, the best known being parkour of course, is a unique experience as it is one of the most impressive sports with jumps, flips and various imaginative tricks.
Imagine how much more intense the experience becomes when such athletes are invited to show what they do uniquely by defying gravity and fatigue on one of the most picturesque islands of the Aegean, the beautiful Astypalea.
This great idea was implemented by Red Bull as this year it was decided for the first time to hold the famous Red Bull Art of Motion competition on the Dodecanese island in an impeccable event, which had the support of the Municipality of Astypalea and the South Aegean Region.
Astypalea is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece and the best athletes in the world were invited to do their acrobatics on the roofs of all-white houses.
The final coincided with the three days of the Pentecost and so those lucky enough to be on the island for a holiday found themselves in front of a unique spectacle.
The event turned into a celebration for the whole island with the spontaneous participation of visitors who enjoyed the passion of young athletes.
The youngsters of the island hurried to ask for autographs but also to be photographed with the athletes and especially the Greek freerunner Dimitris Dk' Kyrsanidis, who is very dear to the youth.
Video with what the athletes experienced during the days of the competition:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI6cwjSfrHA
The competition took place from 9 to 12 June and was attended by the 16 best free running athletes in the world.
Their "track" is the whole island. The roofs of the newly whitewashed houses, the windmills over the port and even the beautiful castle were "left" to the daring tricks of the athletes.
The French Lilou Ruel lands from her room in the ... pool
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They were always surrounded by the residents and visitors of the island to watch the spectacle with bated breath and could not contain their excitement when the athletes gave their best.
All 16 free runners delivered courses not only on technique but also on noble rivalry.
As commented by those involved in the competition, it is one of the few sports in which the athletes who participate are a large group of friends and there is no trace of competition.
They are anxious for each other and are always there to applaud and cheer for their competitors, something we do not often see even in the most noble sports.
Red Bull Art of Motion, Astypalea edition, had a new format with three demanding and imaginative challenges. In the final, the athletes had ten seconds to show the judges their best trick.
We saw impressive jumps and people overcoming themselves, flying from roof to roof and doing incredible tricks in the air.
In the end, British man Travis Verkaik was the one who climbed to the first step of the podium to the applause of the other contestants!
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In statements after the victory he said: that the victory was a dream come true.
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In second place was his compatriot, Ed Scott, while the Swede Elis Torhall took 3rd place.
The presence of women in the competition was impressive, but the one who managed to win the award for best female this year was the American Sydney Olson.
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She said that the competition on the Greek island was one of the best weeks of her life.
At the end of the four days all the points they achieved within the given criteria were added up and the athletes with the highest score emerged as winners.
Red Bull Art of Motion 2022 Results
Men:
1. Travis Verkaik (UK)
2. Ed Scott (UK)
3. Elis Torhall (SWE)
4. Shea Rudolph (USA)
5. Evgeny 'Archie' Aroyan (RUS)
Best Female Freerunner by WHAT'S UP:
1. Sydney Olson (USA)
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2. Lilou Ruel (FRA)
3. Miranda Tibbling (SWE)
The favorite of the spectators, however, was Dimitris "DK" Kyrsanidis , who was adored in the run he made in the competition.
@dimitriskyrsanidis Reply to @petsass Πάμε ρε Ελλάδα🇬🇷!!! Επέστρεψα ρε!💪🏼 #ελλαδα #αστυπαλαια #redbullartofmotion ♬ original sound - DimitrisDkKyrsanidis
In fact, this year, for the first time, the public could vote for the best free running video. Kyrsanidis emerged the winner of the "People's Choice Award" with 13,000 votes!
He later said: " It was an incredible event, one of the craziest experiences of my life. The live challenge was wonderful to watch,"
The athlete also sent a message to Proto Thema.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un7WYG_kJfY
Apart from the athletes, the Red Bull Art of Motion was also enjoyed by the residents of Astypalea who saw their island gather to watch those who love free running.
Besides, the athletes became one with the locals, wandering around the taverns of the island, having fun and experiencing to the fullest of Greek hospitality.
Everyone wished the next Red Bull Art of Motion to take place in Astypalea and the heart of the competition to beat again in the Aegean.
READ MORE: Greek Para Swimmer Antonios Tsapatakis Wins Gold At World Championships.
