Interviewing The World’s Most Daring Athlete, Dom Tomato – Parkour Superstar
Dominic Di Tommaso, better known as Dom Tomato is arguably the most well known parkour athlete in the world. Dom is one of Red Bull’s marquee athletes. His free-running video clips have garnered well over a hundred million views across all media platforms. In recent years, Dom and other parkour peers of his have brought so much attention to free-running/parkour as a sport. With nearly 2 million Instagram followers, Dom has made it his mission to help raise more awareness about the beautiful sport of parkour. He also strives to create as many opportunities for other Parkour athletes as possible. His YouTube channel is filled with collaborations with up and comers. The sport of Parkour may not be the biggest sport in the world but the unity among the athletes is palpable and incomparable. The Hype Magazine’s Life & Style correspondent, Charles Myambo (CM) had an interview with Dom Tomato (DT). Below are some excerpts from the interview.
Dom Tomato – Parkour Athlete (Red Bull)
CM: You are widely regarded as the biggest parkour athlete alive. What kind of effort and commitment did you need to become the household name you are today?
DT: It’s very flattering to think of it in that light, I think the biggest part of getting myself out there was consistency. Being so passionate about the sport, I was already training most days. When I started Instagram, I decided to post in the same fashion, documenting my progress daily. I kept up that routine of consistent training and posting for 8 years. Combined with flying myself to international parkour events and competitions. I managed to garner attention and reputation, leading to a career in the sport.
CM: You have a strong background in figure skating and gymnastics. How much of a factor did your background in sports contribute to the amazing parkour athlete you are today?
DT: Growing up in the world of figure skating and gymnastics was an invaluable learning experience. Competing and performing in-front of large crowds at a young age absolutely built my self confidence. At advanced levels, I was exposed to the rigorous training and discipline required to succeed professionally at the sport. Having had this experience, I was able to apply that same intensity and discipline to parkour, allowing me to continually progress and advance to the level of parkour I can do today.
CM: There are not many human beings alive who can jump off a 5 story building and live to tell the tale. What about your genetics and technique enables you to seamlessly plunge down a drop that could be fatal for most?
DT: I’m not sure I’ve gone from five stories.. but I get the premise haha! There are a number of factors that affect a person’s ability to perform a big drop. These include genetically larger/prominent joints, consistent physical training and correct form. However, I think a huge factor in performing any big drop is self belief and mental fortitude. Having dedicated a huge part of the last decade to refining my technique and gradually increasing drop size, I have the confidence to really maximize my potential in this avenue.
CM: It should not come as a surprise that you are one of Red Bull’s most coveted athletes. What are some of your favorite Red Bull moments whether on a course or on set?
DT: Red Bull has been an integral part of my journey as an athlete, the opportunity and support has allowed me to be a part of some absolutely amazing experiences. Sportively, jumping from a flying helicopter to a roof – In Zermatt at the top of the Swiss alps is something I will never forget. Additionally, just getting to get up close and personal with the Sphinx in Egypt is a treasured memory with great personal elation and wonder.
CM: Parkour typically favors shorter athletes. How have you adjusted your relatively tall frame to match a sport which can be difficult at your height?
DT: One of the most interesting things about parkour is that the sport is incredibly diverse. Many athletes find themselves favoring certain styles, moves and techniques due to their frame. Having longer limbs can slow rotation for flips and acrobatics, but also allows for slightly larger jumps and reach – both integral parkour fundamentals. I always tried to attempt a wide range of challenges and expose myself to different techniques and methods. The more I understood my body, it became clear there is no ideal frame for parkour.
CM: Dom you understand exactly what it means to start from humble beginnings? How would you describe the changes in your lifestyle and social status since you became established?
DT: I wouldn’t say all that much has changed. I live a very similar lifestyle to what I lived prior to gaining a following. I still prioritize parkour as much as possible and surround myself with the supportive, like minded friends I’ve had for over a decade. The benefit is really getting to do the thing I love most at a professional level and having the support of the parkour community and a mainstream audience.
CM: Choosing parkour as an occupation must have been such a risk especially considering that Parkour wasn’t that big a sport when you first started. Knowing all of this, why did you still commit to parkour?
DT: Because I absolutely love it, I’m unwavering in my passion for the sport and the constant progression I’ve experienced. Committing to parkour enabled me to push my physical capabilities to the extreme and connect with incredible athletes across the globe. Few sports I’ve tried have such a high level of comradery and support, making parkour incredibly rewarding. Regardless of whether it’s my professional occupation or not, I’ll be doing parkour till I’m old and grey!
- Dom Tomato – “Fully Unleashed Video” (4.6M views)
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About the Author
Charles Myambo (@BigChaz14 on Twitter) is a columnist and correspondent for industry leader, The Hype Magazine. He is also well known for being a multiple genre #1 Amazon best selling author. In addition to that, Charles is a credentialed journalist as seen in Muck Rack & Press Reader and he is also a highly touted celebrity news correspondent. Moreover, Charles is an international celebrity host and interviewer who has been covered by some of the world's biggest publications. At present, his interviews have been covered by credible journalistic outlets such as Medium, Flipboard, Press Reader, Muck Rack and many others. He is also a columnist for huge African newspapers such as NewsDay, Daily News, iHarare, ZiFM Stereo (radio station), H-Metro, The Financial Gazette as well as several other European and American publications. (@charlesmyambo on Instagram)
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