Greek local wins international parkour competition in Santorini (photos+video)

There were many freeze-frame moments on Santorini during the 4th Red Bull Art of Motion competition where a Greek bounced out of nowhere to claim the international prize

19-year-old Dimitris Kyrsanidis, a professional parkour athlete from Thessaloniki, beat the world’s finest at the fourth “Red Bull Art of Motion” held on the Greek island of Santorini on October 4. Mr. Kyrsanidis impressed everyone and managed to seize victory with his bold leaps on the picturesque island famous for its sugar-cubed houses perched atop volcanic rocks making the place the ultimate natural parkour track.

Dimitris Kyrsanidis - the winner in a freeze-frame moment

Dimitris Kyrsanidis – the winner in a freeze-frame moment

The competition drew 55 freerunners from around the world. They offered a spectacular show as they leaped over pathways, terraces, swimming pools and church domes like jumping jacks. However, it was Mr. Kyrsanidis fluid movements and action-packed jumps that won him the top position, pushing two-time champion Pavel Petkuns to second place.

Pavel Petkuns does a side flip

Pavel Petkuns does a side flip

“I am speechless. I don’t have the words to describe my feelings,” said Mr. Kyrsanidis, who began parkour when he was 12 years old. “I cannot believe I took first place.”

Aleksandr Baiturin of Russia about to come landing down on his head!

Aleksandr Baiturin of Russia about to come landing down on his head!

Luci Romberg, from the United States, won the first place in the women’s section.

Red Bull Art of Motion Santorini 2014 Result.

1. Dimitris Kyrsanidis (Greece) 494 points

2. Pavel Petkuns (Latvia) 484 points

3. Alexander Baiturin (Russia) 465 points

4. Yoann Leroux (France) 464 points

5. Jesse Peveril (Sweden) 429 points

6. Alexander Schauer (Austria) 374 points

Competitor performs at the Red Bull Art of Motion finals in Santorini, Greece on 29th of September 2012

The “Red Bull Art of Motion” was launched in Vienna in 2007 and has emerged as the leading freerunning event with over 10 competitions in different countries over the last few years. Santorini was chosen as the ultimate destination for freerunning in 2011 and the competition has been taking place in Firostefani since then.

To see the highlights –

petkuns-κυρσανίδης-και-baiturin-στο-βάθρο