Why Parkour?

I love the movement. My sister did gymnastics, and that’s what got me into it. I always wanted to do what she was doing when I was little. I moved out of that eventually though. I like doing my own thing. Gymnastics is a lot about form, and doing it right, and I decided, well, I don’t want to do that.

When you were younger, did you ever try out any other sports?

I’ve done soccer, just like everybody does when they first try out sports. I also played farm ball. It’s like baseball with a machine pitching to you. It’s freaky because the light comes on, and you’re like, “Wait, is it gonna go?” Then whoosh!

What is your favorite memory associated with Parkour?

When I was in third grade I landed my first flip. I had this moment of joy, and it felt like it had opened the door to so many possibilities of things I could do.

Is it easy for you? How do your skill levels compare to the people around you?

The first time I ever went to Parkour training, I went to Revolution Parkour. On the way, I was freaking out, wondering if they were gonna be really really good, if I couldn’t keep up, or if I’m gonna be stuck in this class where I’m bored. But when I got there, I just started doing flips and stuff, and it felt easy.

You told me you had Attention Deficit Disorder, how has this affected your life?

It’s made it a lot harder to do schoolwork and homework. Every time the science fair came around in middle school, I struggled. I can’t focus on what to do, since there are so many things to accomplish.

Does Parkour help with your ADD?

ADD actually helps my Parkour, because you don’t really focus on things too long, it’s the next thing, then the next thing, then the next thing.

Due to Parkour, how does the world look different to you? Do you see things that most people don’t?

Yes, definitely. I have these two modes, one is what I can do, and one is what I want to do. I see myself doing tricks off the ledges on buildings; I see the drops, the rolls, and how they all connect.

Parkour aside, name a role model that has had a big impact on you.

Shaun White. He was always that fun, cool guy to look up to. He made me see that the world is your playground, if you set out to do what you want to do. I like that attitude.

Does Parkour serve a higher purpose for you than just being able to flip off of things?

Honestly, for me, it’s a stress reliever. I’m just a stressful person, always worrying about what’s next. But then I go out, and I see freedom in it.

When you practice, do you ever get weird looks or unwanted attention?

Yes. Not because I mess up, but because I do well. When I would practice around my friends, sometimes they’d call me a show off, which I hated. So I try to tone it down around my friends for the most part.

Where are you hoping Parkour will take you in life?

I’m hoping I’ll get into some Parkour competitions. Hopefully, I can get enough publicity and respect in the Parkour community to get a career in Parkour, maybe as trainer. This is just what I love to do and I want to do it as much as I can. ♦

 Check out the rest of our Time With interviews for more brief snapshots of Grant community members.