More than 200 flyers compete in Spain indoor skydiving competition

Over 200 flyers compete in the fourth edition of the Wind Games indoor skydiving championship at the wind tunnel in Empuriabrava, Spain, including a 14-year-old female from Singapore.(photo grabbed from Reuters video)
Over 200 flyers compete in the fourth edition of the Wind Games indoor skydiving championship at the wind tunnel in Empuriabrava, Spain, including a 14-year-old female from Singapore.(photo grabbed from Reuters video)

EMPURIABRAVA, Spain (Reuters) — Over 200 flyers from around the world competed in the fourth edition of the indoor skydiving Wind Games held in Empurivabrava, northeastern Spain on Friday and Saturday (February 3 and 4).

Hosted by the Windoor vertical wind tunnel, participants competed in traditional categories but, in addition, the 2017 Wind Games also included new disciplines such as solo speed, 4 Speed and 2 way freestyle to music, organizers said on their website, www.windoor-realfly.com.

“The Wind Games was amazing, it was super fun. I love all the teams. I had a lot of fun and it was super, super sick. Yeah, it was awesome,” said Singapore’s 14-year-old Kyra Poh, double gold medalist in the freestyle and solo speed category.

Windoor says the competition has grown steadily over the years attracting both participants and fans.

“The 2016 Wind Games went viral, bringing indoor skydiving to the screens of more than 215 million viewers with millions watching the outstanding freestyle performances of Leonid Volkov and Maja Kuczynska,” Windoor said on its website.

Luke Warren, part of the two man team that conquered the Wind Games 2017 gold medal in the 2 way dynamic category, said the sport is also becoming more competitive.

“Insane. The level is literally, it’s at the same point right now and I think it truly comes down to standing in that door and who can pull themselves together, you know,” he said.

Belgian team HayaBusa won the gold medal in the freestyle category for a second year running.

“It’s actually an awesome experience. We’re happy to win here. It’s also our home wind tunnel, so yeah, very excited,” Andy Grauwels said.