Parkour officially recognised as a sport - but only in one country

Parkour has been officially recognised as a sport in the United Kingdom, making it the first country to ever do so.

Parkour, also known as free-running, is notorious for photos and videos showing its practitioners attempting dangerous moves like jumping over buildings, walls and so on. This sport originated in France, and comes from the word ‘parkours’, which literally means “the way through”. It is often deemed dangerous by the public.

But now, parkour practitioners have the permission to teach and promote the sport across the country.

In fact, Sports Minister Tracey Crouch even described the sport as a “fun, creative and innovative option”.

“I want people to get out there and find the sport and physical activity that appeals to them,” she added.

“The sport promotes movement and using the great outdoors as a space to get active in and I encourage people to don their trainers and give it a go.”