Tough competitors are best of frenemies

In parkour speed events, athletes face two opponents: the clock and the competitor in the adjacent lane. While the final time determines the result, runners remain acutely aware of their rival's movements — adding an extra layer of intensity.

The Chengdu World Games women's speed final delivered a thrilling rematch between Sweden's Miranda Tibbling and the Netherlands' Noa Man. They started side-by-side, but Tibbling crossed the finish line 1.05 seconds faster, claiming the gold and leaving Man with silver — a carbon copy of their 2022 World Games podium positions in Birmingham, Alabama, where Man had topped Tibbling in freestyle, just a day before losing to her in speed.

"It's nice, because if we're in the finals together, we can go faster. We're pushing each other to become better," said Man.

"Our goal was to both reach the podium — and we succeeded."

Both born in 2004, the pair became the first women to win titles in parkour at a World Games with the event debuting at the sporting gala in 2022.

When they first met at an international meet, they were too shy to speak. But, over time, as the pair have repeatedly shared competition podiums, they have grown closer — eventually becoming best friends.

Man dominated the season's first FIG Parkour World Cup held in Amsterdam in May, claiming gold in both the speed and freestyle events on her home turf. The event also saw a strong performance from Tibbling, who secured a silver medal in speed.

During competition season, they train, compete and hang out together. This time in Chengdu, they're looking forward to exploring the city together after the competition.

"I'd love to see the pandas and temples," said Man.

Tibbling especially loves the camaraderie within the parkour community, pointing out that at parkour competitions, everyone cheers for, and supports, one another — a level of harmony rarely seen in other sports.

"It's more than just a good sport. It's a whole lifestyle," she said.

The pair also encourage other women to give the sport a go.

"In parkour, you can do the same flip as a boy," said Tibbling. "It's just about your mindset. You may think you can't ..."

"... but you can if you train," they said in unison.

Parkour is gaining momentum in countries like China, Italy and Japan, and the World Games have become a prime stage for the sport's top athletes to showcase their skills — and their camaraderie.

For Chinese freerunner Fu Sida, 24, the games were less about getting podium finishes and more about reconnecting.

"I'm just happy to see old friends," said Fu, who started parkour when he was 18 after watching online videos. "I really admire Shea Rudolph's style. He's cool! We've met three times, and we always have great conversations."

Twenty-five-year-old Rudolph, bronze medalist for the United States in the men's freestyle on Tuesday, echoed the sentiment.

"Everybody here is part of the parkour community. We're so close. That's one of the best things about this sport," he said.

Fu invited Rudolph to train together at his parkour club in Shanghai. "Unfortunately, I'll be leaving Thursday," Rudolph said.

"But I think we're going to see some pandas — maybe tomorrow."