Andrey Ignatenko won the season opener of the Red Bull Cliff Diving Series 2009 in La Rochelle. What made him unbeatable in France, how big his family is – and why he prefers to stay away from certain people the 44-year-old Ukrainian discloses in the following interview.
Congratulations on your victory at the opening of the Red Bull Cliff Diving Series in La Rochelle! What was it like to get up on the podium after the nine-time World Champion and second-placed Orlando Duque?
Thank you! This victory was very important to me … and a bit unexpected. I was very proud to be on the podium. Orlando is my good friend. He’s a very experienced diver, but this time I was luckier.
What do you think made you simply unbeatable on that particular day?
First of all, it’s fortune, of course. It was my first time in France. Usually when you dive or do something else somewhere for the first time you get lucky – it’s an old Slavic belief.
How did you actually get into cliff diving?
I have an education in sports. When I graduated university I started working as a diver in an entertainment park doing diving performance. After many years of experience I started competing at international events.
What do you find so fascinating about this spectacular and also very dangerous sport?
The sport attracts me the most because of the flying feeling. It’s incomparable.
Please tell us a bit about the person Andrey Ignatenko. How would your wife describe you in three sentences?
I guess my wife would say that I’m a good family guy, fair-minded, honest, active, and sometimes a bit lazy.
What do you love the most?
I adore fishing, this is my hobby. Usually I gather my family and we go camping near the river on weekends.
And what can’t you stand?
There’s nothing I can’t stand, I think. I like to surround myself with positive emotions, good people and interesting activities. I don’t like bad-minded, mean, angry people and I avoid any communication with them.
At 44 you’re the oldest diver at the Red Bull Cliff Diving Series 2009. What role does experience play in cliff diving?
In my opinion experience plays absolutely the same role as talent and training.
‘Thinking … ’ was your answer to the question in an interview about how you prepare for a contest. What exactly goes through your head when preparing for an event?
It was a joke … Of course, I try to concentrate as much as possible. Many things go through my mind while I’m preparing for a competition. After many years of experience I’ve become sure that safety comes first. Truly, no emotions ...
The most important thing for an athlete is the body. How do you keep your body fit?
Oh, I do a lot of exercise at home. Twice a week I play football with my friends in an amateur team; practice dives in a pool. I eat healthy food and I don’t smoke.
How does a very normal day in the life of Andrey Ignatenko look?
I have a big family – my wife, three children and 15 dogs. We have a house that’s always full of people … I really have a normal family life when I’m not competing.
The next contest of the Red Bull Cliff Diving Series 2009 is taking place on June 20 in Rotterdam. What have you got planned until then?
Before the first stop I didn’t have a chance to practice dives very much. This time I want to spend more time practicing.
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