Steven LoBue and Anatoliy Shabotenko were named joint winners of the new ‘high-flyer’ award after the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series final in Oman.
The divers and judges who participated in the 2012 World Series were invited to vote for the award which took into consideration the divers’ physical performances throughout the year as well as their mental approach.
LoBue’s consistency saw him finish third overall in a stellar season for the American, who was on the podium a total of four times, including for his first World Series competition win in Wales.
Dean Treml/Red Bull Cliff DivingUkrainian Shabotenko, who figured in five out of seven events as a wildcard, registered fourth-placed finishes in each of the last two stops and will certainly be one to watch at next year’s qualification competition.
Both athletes have received complimentary travel to the qualifier in Australia as their prize. LoBue already has a guaranteed spot at next year’s Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series but Shabotenko will be aiming to continue his excellent form and qualify for 2013.
Dean Treml/Red Bull Cliff Diving
AWARD FOR ‘HIGH-FLYERS’ STEVEN LOBUE AND ANATOLIY SHABOTENKO