It was seven years ago when Saeed Ramin, an Iranian professional traceur, landed on a mat in an illegal competition and was diagnosed with a spinal cord injury on his neck. The injury was so severe that he could only blink, and according to his doctors, he could not even sit in a wheelchair. However, after rehabilitation at home and staying confident, he regained some of his ability, and now he sits in a wheelchair. Just one year after the incident, Saeed met “Maedeh” (one of his interns), and six years later, they got married. They believe that one day he will get up from the wheelchair too. The sport of Parkour became popular in Iran after the 2 Iranian traceurs appeared in the “Jump London” Documentary.
Parkour became illegal in Iran in 2010, rationalized as a High-risk sport. Despite the Iranian traceurs’ stunning performance at the World Championships in Turkey, the sport still does not have the right administration in Iran to prevent irrecoverable damages and injuries with support and professional training.
This Story has been awarded 3rd prize in the 2021 World Press Photo Award.
