VAX Open: The international parkour scene visits Hall in Tirol
Lukas, how did you get into parkour yourself?
I was Austria’s first parkour practitioner (traceur) in 2003. Red Bull took notice of me through my first video uploads and invited me to the first international competition, Red Bull Art of Motion, in Vienna in 2007. At the same time, I was spotted by a television agency, and that’s how my career began. Thanks to my TV appearances and top 10 international rankings, there was a growing demand for people to learn this sport from me. I therefore founded the ‘Limitless Acrobatics’ club in 2004, which later became the company ‘4 Elements Academy’. We built, managed or supported the first parkour parks and indoor facilities in and around Austria.
How did you come to organise the VAX Open?
The “Red Bull Art of Motion” was the first international parkour competition and got its start in Austria. In 2010, this format moved away from Austria, and ever since then I have wanted to bring an international event back to Austria. VAX OPEN marks the start of this endeavour and is set to develop into an official World Cup.
Why is Hall particularly well-suited to an obstacle course competition?
The atmosphere in Hall is unique, and the chance to experience the old town’s charm as part of the event is something special for us. Furthermore, Hall is the home town of the 4 Elements Academy – Austria’s first, largest and most successful parkour centre. Another special feature is that, with the founding of the TTP Club was founded to promote competitive parkour, Austria’s first official parkour squad was established in Hall in Tyrol.
What many people don’t know is that Hall is a hotspot for parkour, home to some of the world’s best parkour athletes.
What many people don’t know is that Hall is a hotspot for parkour, home to some of the world’s best parkour athletes.
Which stars from the scene will be taking part?
The undisputed top athlete in the style category is Elis Torhall from Sweden. Whenever he competes, he never fails to secure a podium place. Alongside him are big names such as Patrick Acherer from the Czech Republic. Not to be underestimated is Tobias Kahofer, Austria’s undefeated number one, who has been competing in the World Cup for several years. He is currently ranked close to the top 10 internationally and is sure to put in a strong performance at the VAX OPEN as well.
What can audience members expect?
As a spectator, you can get caught up in the excitement of watching motivated, young, up-and-coming talents in the junior competition in the morning. Accompanied by music from the Red Bull DJ Truck, there will be interactive stations and workshops throughout the venue where you can try out parkour and related sports, before the main competition featuring the top athletes in the adult category takes centre stage in the afternoon, where double somersaults and triple twists are sure to thrill the crowds.