Introducing Team Tempest, the four man team who will be flying the flag for the USA (Diddy, Jaywalker and Showtime) and New Zealand (Dickie) at the Barclaycard World Freerun Championships on the 3rd of September. Operating out of Los Angeles, Tempest are currently the top dogs stateside bar none. We managed to catch up with them between filming to ask a few questions....
 

How long have you guys been together as a team?

We formed as a team in March 2007 in the hope of eventually becoming one of the top Freerun teams in the United States.
 

Ok, so where did you all meet and at what point did you decide to form a team together?

Much talent is found in the urban sprawl of Los Angeles. We feel as though we were destined to be team mates and best friends, but we didn't find that out until two mutual friends (Levi and Frosti) introduced Rich (Dickie Boy) and Vik (Showtime) to Paul (Diddy). After having dinner and rocking out at a restaurant in Hollywood, the three of us started training together and hanging out a lot. Diddy, who had started Tempest with a college friend, was looking to expand the team since he was alone in his Freerun endeavours, after his friend moved back home to pursue other interests. Diddy asked Rich and Vik to be a part of Team Tempest, they agreed, but the team didn't feel totally complete. We felt that one more member was needed and that's when we found Gabe (Jaywalker). We watched him training at Gymnastics Olympica and he shined above the rest with his crazy skills, crazy hair and easy going personality. With the addition of Gabe, Tempest was set to pursue our combined dream of making a mark in the Freerun World. We hoped to do so by adding style, creativity and dedicated focus to the sport.
 

What was the inspiration behind choosing the Tempest name?

The name Tempest was chosen for its direct meaning; a strong wind, mounting storm. We represent the power and force behind the storms and apply it to our passion and dedication to Freerun.
 

Who (or what) inspires you?

Passionate people. Those who are dedicated to what they love and believe in. People who are willing to take a risk and have fun doing it. Oh and Rockband.
 

Highlights for you on this journey so far?

We have all been blessed on our Freerun journey. A big step for us was hooking up with Scott Rangers and GO Stunts. He and his team have given us many opportunities to showcase our skills in the film industry. Gabe and Paul have doubled for Adam Sandler in his new movie 'Don't mess with the Zohan'. Rich has choreographed Freerunning sequences in the latest Wachowski Brothers film 'Ninja Assassin. Victor was lucky enough to go Freerunning around the world with Madonna and has done commercials for the likes of Mazda and K-Swiss.
 

Lowest point to date?

Injuries!! They are bound to happen from time to time and we've all gone through our share of injuries from sprained ankles, to jumpers knee, to broken fingers, to separated shoulders. The most important thing is to learn and live from them. Luckily for us, chicks dig scars (laughs).
 

Explain a little bit about your day to day lives as pro's.

That's a tough question.  Girls.....training....girls.....training. That's what its all about, right? (Laughs)
 

Did you ever think you'd get the point where you'd be working as professionals in this field?

 When you say "professionals" as in getting paid to do what we truly love and enjoy, the answer would have to be yes. None of us would do anything we were not passionate about, even if it meant we were flipping burgers instead of our bodies. Team Tempest would be the most dedicated burger flippers you'd ever meet. Lucky for us, Freerun found us before McDonalds. 
 

We've noticed that you have your own clothing line. Tell us a bit more about it

We're currently creating a clothing line with GO Stunts. The brand is called GO Wear and will consist of designs with a distinct Freerun style in the near future, so keep an eye on our site.
 

 Being the front-runners in the US, do you feel a sense of responsibility?

We try to stay true to our mission of opening up a world of new possibilities in movement. Tempest strives to advance not only our own abilities but to inspire those who observe our movement. We just do what we do and have a lot of fun in the process. If people like it, great. If not, there's always dodgeball. (Laughs)
 

 Your online videos have caused a real stir in the community (especially your latest 'I Freerun LA' edit). How important is it for you to get your work out there into the public domain?

Videos have progressed this sport so far and so fast! We like to be really creative with our videos, so they take a little longer to make. But we feel that they are much better to watch if they've had the time put in. At the end of the day its all about progressing the sport in all aspects including film work.
 

 Our first ever hook up together was in Vienna for the Redbull AOM event in 2007, where you guys stepped up and completely killed it. Explain a little bit about the whole experience.

Vienna was sick!! Finally getting the chance to meet all our youtube heroes. We went there with the mindset to just have fun and meet as many people as we could. It is something we will never ever forget.
 

 The notion of competition has in the past, received mixed feelings. The AOM event was (for all in attendance) a clear indication that competition as a valid place. What are your views?

Just do it! You get the chance to hang out with your friends AND your idols. Its just one big  jam where everyone supports everyone else. Its all about having fun.
 

 The World's have been in the pipeline for a long while now but at last, its finally happening and with Barclaycard providing their weight to backup our cause, its shaping up to be next level. How do you feel about representing your country in the first ever World Freerun Championships?

Truly honoured to be involved. We're all very excited to be visiting London and are looking forward to having fun with everyone we meet there. The competition will be off the hook and we can't wait to see all the guys in action.
 

 Any new moves up your sleeve to unleash at the event?

(Laughs) We're always trying to push the limits, so we'd be lying if we said that we haven't been working on new tricks.
 

 Nice! So overall, what can spectators expect to see from Tempest on September the 3rd?

Some funky flavour with American spice. (Laughs)
 

 There are rumours doing the rounds that you'll be staying over to be involved in the Mayor's Thames Festival with us 10 days after the World's. If yes, will you be up for some street sessions and tours of all the London hotspots?

It would be a waste not to. If people are willing to show us, we're willing to go.
 

 What does the future hold? How do you see the sport evolving over the coming years?

Its about to break!! Freerun is going to spread like hot fudge on an ice cream sundae. Definitely sweet enough to be asking for seconds. Just make sure you get a bite before it all melts. (Laughs)
 

 Any message for fans or fellow Freerunners?

Yes! Swallowing goldfish really isn't that bad.
 

 Erm....ok. Well, thanks for your time. We're really looking forward to welcoming you to London in September.

Thanks. We really can't wait!