This free running champ feels there is no limit to the human body.
The ability to “find shortcuts” isn’t always considered the most admirable of qualities for an individual to have. Unless you happen to be a free running or parkour athlete. And as one of the best athletes in the sport to emerge out of Kuwait, 24-year-old Mohammed Al Attar’s ability to find a shorter, more exhilarating path — where none existed before — is held in high regard indeed.
Currently in India to pick eight athletes for the Red Bull Indus Trail, Mohammed says the focus of his visit is on helping the local parkour scene grow. But squeezing in a free running session at some of the iconic monuments here would definitely be a bonus! “I’d love to freerun at the Taj Mahal,” he says, adding, “And also meet some Bollywood actors, because they have quite a fan following in the Arabic countries, especially Kuwait.”
He has a sizeable fan following of his own — ever since he won his first competitive title at the Red Bull Urban Jump in Kuwait in 2010. The competition was judged by iconic free runner Ryan Doyle, and it was the start of what has been a spectacular association. Last year, Mohammed and Ryan teamed up to free run in Dubai, resulting in a beautifully shot film that juxtaposes two perfectly in-sync athletes against the city’s stunning backdrop.
“What was funny was that Ryan and I finished in Dubai just a few days before December 21 (2012) — which is when the world was supposed to end according to the Mayan civilisation. So Ryan and I shook hands — just in case we never saw each other again — and decided that whatever happens, we’d ‘just roll’! After that though, we’ve met in Jordan and Santorini (to freerun)!” Mohammed says with a laugh. When he was introduced to parkour, he had no idea that this would be one that he would make such an impact in. “I started with karate at the age of nine and continued until I was 20,” he says, adding, “When I started with parkour, I was 17… it was just a way to spend my free time. Later, it developed into a lifestyle — something that I can never change, and wouldn’t want to either.”
The parkour champ admits that his family was initially not supportive of his propensity for freerunning “because they were concerned about my safety”) but are now encouraging. “They saw the TV interviews and shows I was part of and they became very understanding. Now they even let me use our backyard to place wooden obstacles and hold workshops,” he says.
Mohammed’s repaid his family’s belief in his skills several times over. When he isn’t busy practising new tricks (like the “full in, back out,” the pursuit of which has given the athlete some “nice blue bruises!”), he travels the world as an ambassador for parkour. “I enjoy the constant travelling very much, yet I can’t deny that I sometimes miss home...” he adds. “Travelling has enabled me to meet new people and learn about different cultures. Seeing new places is always nice — it gives me lots of stories to tell when I get back home!”
Apart from all the success it has brought his way, he feels parkour has taught him an essential lesson: “It’s taught me that there is no limit to what the human body (can attain),” adding, “Never underestimate others, because sometimes, people are better in heart than in skills.”
Quick five
- Born on: December 7, 1988 in Kuwait
- Also called: Double Trouble
- My life philosophy: “One should go hard or go home.”
- I love eating: Traditional Kuwaiti cuisine and seafood.
- I love listening to: Rock and dubstep, anything on the drums or bass.
