### The journey strewn with pitfalls from Malagasy athletes to the Parkour World Cup
In Antananarivo, on the heights of the Malagasy capital, a group of four athletes trains with passion to participate in the Parkour World Cup planned in Montpellier, in France, in a few days. However, an unforeseen event threatens not only their participation, but also the team spirit that has been cultivated over the months of training.
#### Discipline in search of recognition
The Parkour, an urban sport born in the late 1980s, found a fertile ground in Madagascar, where the athletes appropriated the techniques of crossing physical barriers. The rise of this discipline on the island, initiated twenty years ago, was accompanied by the creation of associations like tracker Gasy, co -founded in 2017 by Faliniaina Antonio, the coach of the Malagasy athletes. His exemplary journey, going through self-training and improving training conditions, illustrates the dynamics of professionalization of Parkour in Madagascar. However, this development has not resulted in strong institutional support.
Nzaka Tsirofo Rasoloarison, sports sociologist and former high -level athlete, underlines a disturbing paradox: despite individual efforts and notable successes, state support and sports federations remains very limited. “When I participated in the Paris marathon in 2006, I was my coach, my agent, I was my physical trainer, my nutritionist … it’s been almost 20 years and it has not changed,” he said, highlighting the sustained challenge in which the Malagasy athletes face.
#### An uncertain future for athletes
The current situation of the Malagasy team of Parkour illustrates a complex dilemma. While Serge Ranaivomanana, one of the team’s key athletes, is potentially excluded from competition for lack of funding, the implications go far beyond a simple absence. The psychological impact on the team and group dynamics are crucial elements for performance. Coach Antonio insists on the importance of unity and cohesion, arguing that going five instead of four could weaken the group’s chances.
The crowdfunding campaign launched by athletes testifies to their determination, but also the precariousness of their situation. The hope of finding sponsors or donors reflects a collective desire to make Madagascar’s voice heard on the international sports scene. However, the question arises: how to perpetuate this type of commitment beyond emergency situations?
#### Towards a reflection on support for local talents
The case of Malagasy athletes raises broader questions about the way in which local sports talents are supported. At a time when Madagascar aspires to participate more in international competitions, as evidenced by his desire to double the number of athletes present at the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028, it seems necessary to explore mechanisms that promote the development of sport on the island.
In a climate where government support is rare, the creation of partnerships with the private sector could be a solution. Companies, whether local or international, have everything to gain from associating their image with authentic sporting efforts and values such as solidarity and perseverance. At the same time, it would be relevant to envisage the implementation of training programs for young people, guaranteeing equitable access to infrastructure and quality supervision.
#### Conclusion
Parkour Malagasy athletes are fighting to make a place on the international scene, but their path is strewn with pitfalls. The stake greatly exceeds simple participation in a competition; He questions the visibility and recognition of sport in Madagascar. In this sense, the experience of these young athletes can serve as a starting point to reflect on the future of sports development on the island, by multiplying the actors of support around local talents, whether institutions, businesses or civil society. The success of this Parkour team is thus more than a question of athletic competence; It questions our collective capacity to promote an ecosystem where talent can flourish.