Born in Helsingborg, Sweden, Gustafsson competes against some of the world’s elite in the sport. He has also formed, what is being deemed Europe’s top training facility, called Air Wipp. His academy/training center is the only one of its kind. 

I was super excited at the chance to interview, Marcus and get his take on the sport and on life.

Marcus is considered one of the top elite Parkour and Freerunning athletes on the planet. So as you can imagine I was incredibly honored that he took time out of his busy schedule between competing in international events and running his own company to sit down and do this interview.

Welcome Marcus, and thank you, to begin….

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into Freerunning and Parkour?

My name is, Marcus Gustafsson, and I was born November 27, 1988. It all started when I was very young, about 6-7 years old. I was put into a gymnastics program and proceeded with that for about 10 years. But when I was around 15 I saw a video online by the founder of Parkour, David Belle. I was determined to make a living as a PRO Parkour/Freerunning athlete.

After a few years of hard work me and my best buddy Filip Ljungberg got invited to the first ever Redbull Art of Motion. That was the start of my carrier, lifestyle and self-expression. We founded a team called Air Wipp. We started to work hard to make this dream a reality.

And after a few years of hard work, injuries, sacrifices we finally have established one of the biggest Parkour/Freerunning companies in the world. As for myself, I’ve been entering all of the international competitions since it first started in 2007. Placing in the Top 3, in almost every event around the world. I am today living my dream and I am planning to do it for the rest of my life.

You have been an inspiration to millions around the world, who inspires you? Who are your mentors?

Well.. I believe that I have had a few different people that inspired me during my life. And I’m not really just devoted to one person. So I would say that the people that inspire me, are those who have succeeded in whatever they have set out to do! It could be is in their everyday life or at work. There is not really any difference! But to name drop, one of my biggest inspirations I would have to say is Jon Olsson the free skier from Sweden.

What’s the most important lesson you have learned?

Adapt to every situation that you comes your way and try to be humble about things that you can not adapt to. I believe that it makes you feel better to be a ’’real’’ person and not a ’’know it all’’ about things, and to think that you are a better person than others simply because of your accomplishments.

What was the most fun you had in Freerunning and Parkour?

Oh! That’s a hard one! but I would say that its the whole ’’traveling’’ and meeting new and old friends around the world that has been the most fun for me!

In one sentence or phrase how would you define success?

Grateful to be able to live a life that gives me new opportunities every day.

Do you consider yourself successful? What’s the most important habit that you feel is vitally important to your success?

Yes I do see myself as successful! The only thing that I can recommend to a person who has a dream or a vision is to just keep on doing it! Maybe there’s not a lot of money in the beginning or maybe never! But the most important thing I would say, Is to be happy.  I’m just saying, that money can buy you stuff, but not a feeling inside. After you have had that car that you always wanted for a year, the happiness slowly goes away. It’s important to be able to not have a boss or someone to tell you exactly what you can or can not do. And to just live by your own rules. That is Success!

What’s the most important personality trait that you feel has greatly helped you?

The will to want More.

What opportunities do you see in Freerunning and Parkour that you don’t have time to take advantage of?

None.. We are trying to do it all!

What is the most important book and or movie you have read and or watched? Why?

Not really a book or a movie fan.. so I’m not really sure..

What was the most difficult decision you had to make?

Don’t know,

What was the best decision you made?

That I kept on going, even though its been a hard ride to establish a successful Freerunning company.

What question should I have asked you that I didn’t? Why is it important and what is the answer?

Not really sure

To learn more about Marcus Zyrken Gustafsson check out his Facebook site.

To learn more about the Air Wipp Academy, check out the link.

Here is a short 2:30 minute video on the training development of Marcus from 2001 until now.