Maxine Tate’s video diary of being a Canopy Piloting athlete at the World Games…
In July 2017, thrity-six of the world’s best canopy pilots got to join 4,000 other athletes to compete in a unique event called The World Games, held in Wroclaw in Poland. These Games are held every four years, since 1981, and are widely known as the test ground for sports being considered for inclusion in The Olympics.
It is one of the few events (such as The World Air Games) where skydivers get to compete alongside athletes from other sports at an international level. Sports include acrobatic and aerobic gymnastics, archery, canoeing, fistball, korfball, kickboxing, inline hockey, lacrosse, muythai, speed skating, squash, surfing, waterski, wakeboarding and countless more.
Over the years other disciplines in skydiving have been included (such as FS, CRW and freefly) but for the last several Games canopy piloting is the only discipline left as a contender, being easy to watch and follow for the spectators.
_It was a unique experience and an honour to stand alongside British athletes from various other sports at this Games_
Maxine Tate
We certainly had fun competing in front of the audience each day, with the biggest crowd on the last day for freestyle. Here’s hoping one day we’ll make it to the Olympics….
Canopy Piloting Highlights
Canopy Piloting at The World Games, 2017, by PD
The Canopy Piloting (CP) event took place at a dropzone just outside the city along with two other airsports; paramotoring and glider aerobatics. The Performance Designs video above shows the CP competition highlights, and results.
Here is a taste from Maxine’s perspective of what it’s like to take part in the Games and the Opening Ceremony…
Opening Ceremony
Maxine’s experience of the World Games opening ceremony
Maxine’s Freestyle Run
Maxine Tate’s freestyle run at the World Games, 2017
For more information and to see what other sports took part visit the World Games website
