Parkour is a sport that involves high risk and passionate athletes. It's a sport that combines natural locomotion with the environment. We spoke with Germany's first professional parkour athlete, Andy Haug, about his sport and its future.

1. You've been a professional parkour athlete for years. Why is this sport an indispensable part of your life?

My sport, or rather my vocation, allows me to express myself creatively, and it gives me a lot of security and action in life. It also energizes me. - so it's a good balance :)

2. Do you see yourself as a revolutionary and visionary for the German sport of parkour? After all, you were the first parkour professional in Germany!

I don't really see myself as having a special role.

3. What does a typical training week look like for you?

I train parkour or freerunning 3-5 times a week, breaking it down into techniques, new tricks, repetitions of old ones, and having fun. I always try to listen to my body and give it time to rest. I also do strength training 2-3 times a week.

4. The sport is very stressful for the wrists and ankles. Do you have any special training sessions or techniques to prevent injuries?

Parkour landings can help compensate for a lot. I also keep fit with strength training :)

5. Balance and stability play a major role in parkour. Do you specifically train these skills in your training? If so, how?

For example, the parkour precision jump allows you to land on a variety of objects or railings in a controlled manner. This is a great way to train your balance.

6. What other highlights will 2022 bring on a sporting level?

In autumn the Parkour World Championships will take place in Tokyo, Japan :)

7. You're also very committed to youth development and regularly hold workshops in schools. What's the state of motor skills among today's youth?

I think that especially because of the Corona crisis, the kids had few opportunities to do sports.
Many children have a talent for sports, but I think it should be encouraged more... I think physical education is always the first class to be canceled...

8. The 2024 Olympic Games will be held in Paris. France, thanks in part to the Belle family, is considered the birthplace of parkour. Isn't it time for parkour to finally be included in the Olympic competition?

I actually think the Olympic Games are really great and have always enjoyed following them. It would certainly be great for my sport – but I'm increasingly having doubts about the IOC. Personally, I don't want anything to do with such a corrupt organization and hope that if parkour becomes an Olympic sport in 2028, the IOC will have changed its ways by then.