Cliff Diving
Here’s what went down during the 2022 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series
Rhiannan Iffland and Gary Hunt were crowned cliff diving champions at the final event of the season in Sydney, Australia.
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01
2022 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series winners
After eight exciting competitions around the globe, reigning champions Gary Hunt and Rhiannan Iffland were once again crowned the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series winners, receiving their 10th and sixth King Kahekili Trophies respectively. In what was a tight men’s title fight, Aidan Heslop finished runner-up to Hunt, with Catalin Preda taking third place. Iffland was joined on the overall season podium by runner-up Molly Carlson and third-placed Eleanor Smart.
02
What happened in Sydney?
Day 2: unstoppable Iffland and Hunt crowned in Sydney
Gary Hunt scored 10s with his final dive to earn a record-extending 10th Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series title at a thrilling season showdown in Sydney, Australia. In the women’s competition, Rhiannan Iffland ensured it was a majestic homecoming, picking up another victory before collecting her sixth King Kahekili Trophy in front of an ecstatic 18,000 spectators.
Hunt, who had been forced to settle for a supporting role in the season’s early competitions as the younger generation of talent excelled, proved that even at the age of 38, he's still the man to beat from the 27m platform. Faced with the powerful challenge of his two title rivals, Aidan Heslop of the UK and Romania’s Catalin Preda, he summoned up every ounce of his vast experience of 92 World Series events to prevail with the season’s final dive.
“I still can’t believe it to be honest. This year starting off watching all the young guns with these massive dives, I kind of felt in the shadow and it showed in the results. I felt like I had to rebuild my confidence and restart. I managed to get there in the end,” said Hunt, who earned a total of 18 tens across the season.
“It sounds like a dream. I couldn’t have hoped for anything better. A really tight season and finishing that on top. It’s going to take me a while to realise.”
Gary Hunt leaps to victory at Sydney's iconic waterfront
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
In just his first season as a permanent diver, Heslop defied his tender age and exceeded all expectations to send a clear signal to the cliff diving world that he's next in line to the throne. Two victories and three podium places, including another runner-up spot in Sydney Harbour, ensured an overall second place for the 20-year-old in the World Series standings.
Preda may have fallen just short in his quest for a maiden title, but completing the podium at the finale means the 31-year-old repeats his overall third-place finish from last season, and the ‘Romanian shark’ will no doubt be back on the hunt for glory again next year.
For Iffland, title number six had already been secured at the previous stop in Italy, but the dream of victory on home soil meant there was no taking her foot off the gas at the eighth and final competition. With Canada’s Carlson again applying the pressure, the dominant Australian had to be at her imperious best to make it 30 wins in 37 starts ahead of being crowned once more in front of her friends and family.
“This is my sixth title and it’s really extra special. I’m genuinely speechless. I knew I was coming in and holding the King Kahekili trophy regardless of the result today, so I guess that took the pressure off a bit. But I still had a job to do. I wanted to put on a really good show in front of our home crowd. I managed to pull it off and that’s another tick off the list,” stated the 31-year-old from Newcastle.
“Super proud – this morning I wasn't knowing how I was going to cope with the nerves, not knowing exactly how I would feel up there. I took both dives down for 9s and that was what it took. It was cool to see Molly put this dive down and I’m really interested to see the scores with this big degree of difficulty. I think next year is going to be interesting.”
Rhiannan Iffland celebrates picking up another King Kahekili Trophy
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Carlson, in just her first year as a permanent diver, secured a sixth second-place finish with her highest total score since a stunning victory at the season opener in Boston. At just 24 years old, the overall runner-up will now focus on taking that extra step in 2023 and pushing Iffland even harder next time.
Completing the podium in Sydney was the increasingly impressive Smart, a result which sealed third place overall for the American – a personal best for the 26-year-old, who made her debut back in 2017.
18,000 fans turned out to watch from boats and on land
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
A debut for Australian wildcard Christopher Bednar
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Yana Nestsiarava twists off the 21m platform
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
James Lichtenstein earned a permanent place on the 2023 World Series
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
With 762 dives in eight competitions across North America, Europe and Australia, not only were the champions crowned this Saturday afternoon in sunny Sydney, but also the eight female and male divers who secured a permanent spot on the 2023 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series were confirmed based on this year’s World Ranking.
In the women’s – in the addition to the top three – it’s Australian Xantheia Pennisi and Jessica Macaulay from Canada; USA’s Meili Carpenter, who will be a debutant on the permanent roster, Germany’s Iris Schmidbauer, who will see a return to the permanent line up after a year as a wildcard and also independent athlete, Yana Nestsiarava, will be back.
On the men’s side, Nikita Fedotov, Constantin Popovici from Romania and Italy’s Alessandro De Rose will be back for a fully-fledged 2023 season. New on the permanent list will be James Lichtenstein from the USA and Colombia’s Miguel Garcia will complete the top eight.
There was also an emotional farewell from one of the sport’s most loved and respected athletes, as Mexico’s Adriana Jimenez concluded her outstanding cliff diving career in front of the iconic Australian backdrop. The 37-year-old, who finished runner-up to Iffland in the 2018 season, signed off with a fifth-place finish in Sydney.
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series looks back on a successful 13th season and will return in 2023 with new talent, more difficult dives and a unique calendar.
Day 1: men’s three-way title fight goes down to the wire
Gary Hunt will take a slender lead into Saturday’s Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series showdown in Sydney, following a high-quality opening two rounds from the three men’s title contenders.
The Frenchman, who knows victory at this eighth and final stop will earn him a 10th King Kahekili trophy, laid down the challenge with a near-perfect Forward 4 Somersaults ½ Twist Tuck in the second round, earning two 10s from the judges. His rivals, however, responded in stunning style.
Catalin Preda of Romania first picked up a 10 of his own, before England’s Aidan Heslop earned 9.5s to ensure that the closest title fight in a decade will go right down to the season’s final dives from the 27m platform. Just 4.6 points separate them at the halfway point.
“I mean, it's obviously a good position to be up top. I felt the nerves a little bit on the first dive, but managed to get a steady start. Then my second round has been good for me, so I'm happy. It's fun to see the best guys on top,” said 38-year-old record winner Hunt. “We're lucky to be here. This year we've been killing it with the locations in some great cities. And this is a place we've been thinking about for a long time, and I can't wait to see the pictures.”
Gary Hunt leaps into the lead in Sydney
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
True to form, the three contenders occupy the same positions after two dives in Sydney Harbour as they do in the overall standings, where just 40 points split them after seven stops. A victory for either Hunt or Heslop would guarantee them the crown, while Preda is hoping for a win and for Hunt to finish in third place or lower.
“To be this close to the top is incredible,” said 20-year-old Heslop. “But I really want it and I've been working hard for it now. These last few months towards the end of this season I've really been putting in the work to bring myself back up closer to closer to Gary. I'm excited, I'm feeling good. I really love this location. So, I think it's possible. Let's see what happens on the day.”
Preda, nicknamed ‘a Romanian shark’ by Hunt last year, was short and sharp explaining why he could win it: “Because I think I work the hardest for it. And if it's meant to happen for me, I'll take it wholeheartedly and with arms wide open and ready to spread my wings even wider.”
While it’s a three-way fight for the title, other divers could still affect the destination of the trophy by forcing their way onto the podium on Saturday. Mexico’s Jonathan Paredes and Blake Aldridge of the UK are within touching distance of the leading trio after two impressive dives and could yet have a big say in the final shake-up.
In the women’s competition, Rhiannan Iffland is aiming for a majestic homecoming after wrapping up the title at the previous stop in Italy, but the six-time champion will need to overcome the strong challenge of her closest rival this season, Molly Carlson. Despite earning a 10 from the judges in the second round, Iffland currently sits half a point back in second place following the Canadian’s superior first round dive, a majestic Inward 2 Somersaults ½ Twist Pike.
Rhiannan Iffland will be crowned champion again on Saturday afternoon
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
“I've been waiting for this adventure to come through for a couple of years now” said a broad-smiling Iffland. "It was exciting and kind of hard to shake off the nerves in that first dive and to be honest, I wish I’d put the first one down a bit better. But I'm happy with a solid performance and also just really excited to be finishing off on home soil and taking the World Series trophy tomorrow. Especially in front of my family. It's awesome.
“I want to finish off the season strong. Whether I score a two or a ten my family and friends still love me the same and still give me the same support, so what makes a difference is wanting to finish off strong.”
Carslon, meanwhile, admits she would love to finish the season the same way she began it back in Boston: “It really would sandwich the whole season. Winning at the first one and maybe winning tomorrow could bring it all together and show that I've been pushing the whole time. So it's fun, you know.”
The stage is now set for one of the most dramatic and exciting days in World Series history on Saturday. Three men battling it out for glory, a certified champion hoping to cement her legendary status with a victory on home soil and one final push from the chasing pack to secure a permanent place on the tour next season, all played out in front of thousands of fans and an iconic backdrop.
What a stunning backdrop for a cliff diving finale
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
Yana Nestsiarava dives from the purpose-built platform
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
Jonathan Paredes in flight
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Xantheia Pennisi is another Australian hoping to put on a show
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
03
What happened in Polignano a Mare?
53 min
Best moments from Polignano a Mare
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series returns to Italy. Watch the best action from Polignano a Mare.
Day 3: unstoppable Iffland wins sixth cliff diving title in Italy
Rhiannan Iffland retained her Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series title with a competition to spare at the season’s penultimate stop in Polignano a Mare, making it six wins in a row to secure a sixth King Kahekili trophy. Once again, the Australian needed to fend off the threat of persistent challenger, Molly Carlson, eventually prevailing over her Canadian rival by an 18-point margin in choppy waters.
“Conditions were definitely challenging, to be honest. This morning I was a bit iffy, just a little bit concerned because it’s kind of a competition of luck in a way. You really have to be switched on, and you could get lucky with the wave, or you couldn’t. When you hit the water, you don’t actually know how the dive has gone completely,” she explained. “But it feels really rewarding to have to push through those challenging conditions and taking out the title - it’s insane.”
Champion Rhiannan Iffland will be crowned on home soil in Sydney
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Hampered by a minor shoulder injury, she wasn’t at her imperious best over the three days of competition on the Adriatic coast but still displayed enough quality to secure her 29th victory in 36 World Series events. The 31-year-old can now look forward to a glorious homecoming at the season finale in Sydney next month, where she’ll be crowned in front of her friends, family and thousands of adoring fans.
“This one really means a lot! It’s still sinking in, to be honest. I've done the math, and I knew that I could go into Sydney for my home event with the title already wrapped up. So it's an amazing feeling. I can't wait to compete in Sydney and just have as much fun as I can and to really live in that moment,” added Iffland, who has so far topped the podium at every season finale since she began competing in 2016.
With the women’s title wrapped up, attention now turns to the fight for a top-four finish and automatic qualification for next season. 23-year-old Carlson, with one win and five second-placed finishes in just her first season as a permanent diver, is already assured of the overall runner-up spot, leaving three divers battling for the remaining two places.
Canada’s Jessica Macaulay improved her chances by completing the Italy podium, which elevated her 54 points above American Eleanor Smart into third place overall. Xantheia Pennisi of Australia finished fifth in Polignano a Mare and occupied the same position in the season standings, just two points behind Smart.
In the men’s competition, a second victory of the season for Gary Hunt in Italy sets the stage for one of the tightest and most exciting title showdowns in World Series history next month. The Frenchman, a winner of nine titles in 12 seasons, has slowly but surely worked his way to the top of the standings this year, with victory in the home of European cliff diving – his sixth in this location - giving him a 36-point lead heading into the grand finale.
Gary Hunt celebrates with Aidan Heslop (L) and Catalin Preda (R) in Italy
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
“It was just amazing; all the ups and downs we’ve gone through and then starting off seeing Aidan getting a perfect dive. It just fired me up. I think it fired Catalin up as well. And that’s the kind of Red Bull cliff diving competition I love,” stated Hunt following his 45th World Series win. “Well, it’s the winner takes all in Sydney. So that makes it all the more exciting. You don’t have to worry about people coming in second or third place."
England’s Aidan Heslop, who was edged into second place here by four points, and third-placed Catalin Preda of Romania, both occupy the same positions in the overall standings. Just 40 points separate the top three, meaning there will be several permutations in the final fight for the King Kahekili trophy. But one thing is for sure, if Hunt or Heslop win in Sydney, they’ll be crowned champion.
Aidan Heslop flies through the clear blue Puglian sky
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Italian wildcard Elisa Cosetti made her fourth World Series appearance
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Another homegrown wildcard, Andrea Barnaba, finished 7th on his debut
© Mauro Puccini/Red Bull Content Pool
Jessica Macaulay earned her third podium finish of the season
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
From a sunny but windy Polignano a Mare, where 40,000 fans turned out to watch the final round following three days of exciting competition from the platforms and a private house, the cliff diving elite will now enjoy a few weeks' break before heading Down Under for the highly anticipated season finale on October 15.
Day 2: Iffland on the cusp of glory in Poligano a Mare
Rhiannan Iffland is potentially just one dive away from securing her sixth Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series title at this season’s penultimate stop. The Australian, who still hasn’t been at her sensational best in Italy this weekend, scored 8s from the judges when the divers returned to the platforms on Saturday afternoon for their Round 3 dive.
It was enough to edge into a five-point lead over her closest rival, Molly Carlson, and if the Canadian cannot reverse those positions in Sunday’s final round, then Iffland will be confirmed champion with a stop to spare.
“I knew I had to go for this dive. I over-rotated in the training dive a little bit and took a bit of a punch when I hit the water, nothing too serious. I've had treatment already,” explained Iffland, who held her shoulder coming from the water. “It happens and we know that. So, yeah, it's sometimes a bit of a shock but that's how it goes.”
If Iffland (L) finishes above Carlson, she'll be champion again
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Iffland’s compatriot, Xantheia Pennisi, also earned 8s from the panel and sits in third place with one dive remaining. Eleanor Smart, meanwhile, couldn’t maintain her eye-catching form from the first two rounds and the American drops out of the lead and into fourth place.
In the men’s competition, Jonathan Paredes picked up where he left off on Friday, ripping a beautiful Forward 4 Somersaults 1½ Twists Pike into the Adriatic Sea to earn 9.5s from the judges. Gary Hunt, however, had minutes earlier picked up 9s of his own and thanks to his higher Degree of Difficulty, it’s the Frenchman who leads the Mexican by 2.25 points.
Competition leader Gary Hunt will dive last in Sunday's final round
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Heading into Sunday’s final round, that gives nine-time champion Hunt a slight edge in what is an increasingly tight fight for the King Kahekili trophy. His two title rivals, Catalin Preda and Aidan Heslop, were solid rather than spectacular in Round 3, but are both still in a position to strike from their respective fourth and fifth places.
“You kind of can't help but think about the title, but I wanted to come here thinking that this was the final,” said the 38-year-old ‘flying Frenchman’. We've had finals here before, many, and so it's easy to pretend that this is the final and you got to give it all you've got. And for the moment, I'm doing that.
“I think experience does count a lot and it’s about stamina. It's a long season and people are starting to come apart at the seams a little bit. We know we've got two events left and you just have to conserve your energy and make sure you pull it out when it counts.”
In the home of European cliff diving, the local fans will this year miss their hero Alessandro De Rose due to injury, but any feelings of disappointment will surely be softened by the presence of three young Italian wildcards in this competition: Elisa Cosetti, Davide Baraldi and Andrea Barnaba. Of the trio, it’s 18-year-old newcomer Barnaba who has fared best so far, defying his age and experience to earn 9s from the judges in both his Round 1 and Round 3 dives.
Italian wildcard Andrea Barnaba prepares to leap from the men's platform
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
Spectators watch on as Catalin Preda spins into action
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Jessica Macaulay flies high above the Adriatic
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
Rhiannan Iffland holds her shoulder upon exiting the water
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
On Sunday afternoon, the 24 athletes will return for one final dive in front of a raucous Italian crowd. By the time the dust settles, one title could be decided, while the destination of another might just be a little bit clearer.
Day 1: Paredes and Smart flying high from Polignano a Mare rooftop
Mexico's Jonathan Paredes and American Eleanor Smart were the outstanding performers on Day 1 of this season's penultimate stop in Polignano a Mare, Italy, both leaping into a slender lead at the halfway stage in the home of European cliff diving.
A revised schedule due to anticipated weather conditions saw Saturday's first two rounds brought forward to Friday afternoon, along with a change in the round order. Up first was the Intermediate dive from the platforms constructed high above the Adriatic Sea on a private balcony, after which the 24 men and women took a short walk through the Polignano a Mare old town to a very unique diving spot. A private family house perched on the clifftops provided the Required round launchpads, a 27m-high rooftop pillar for the men and a 20m balcony for the women.
Paredes was at his stylish best during both rounds, first earning 9.5s from the judges for a Forward 3 Somersaults 1½ Twists Pike from the platform. The 33-year-old then opted for the same dive minus one somersault and one twist in the second round, with the same stunning result.
"It's my first time diving from that balcony. The last year I was injured and I was here as a tourist," stated the 2017 World Series champion. "I really enjoy the competition. That place is amazing. Being able to dive there today and do the best dive of the competition, it's amazing. You know, I just wanted to do my best today and it worked."
Jonathan Paredes leads the way after 2 rounds in Italy
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
With just one stop remaining after this competition, much of the focus is understandably on the fight for the King Kahekili trophies and in the men's category it’s one of the closest and most exciting battles ever. France's Gary Hunt, Romanian Catalin Preda and Aidan Heslop of England are separated by just 30 points at the top of the overall standings and each knows a victory here would give them a lead heading into the final showdown in Sydney, Australia, next month.
It was Hunt who fared best during the opening two rounds, earning two 10s for a sensational Forward 4 Somersaults ½ Twist Tuck, and the nine-time champion trails Paredes by just 1.6 points. Preda and Heslop are within touching distance, though, sitting in third and fifth place respectively and everything is still to play for when the big Optional dives come out in the final two rounds.
In the women's competition, it’s usually no surprise to see this year’s two title contenders, Rhiannan Iffland and Molly Carlson, jostling in first and second place after two rounds. But, following two of her best dives of the season - the second of which was an immaculate Forward 2 Somersaults 1½ Twists Free - it's Smart who takes a well-earned lead into Round 3.
"I'm so happy to be back here. This is my fourth time, I think. It's crazy it's been that long, but today went great. My one goal was to get a PB on day one," the 26-year-old explained. "I've missed my first dive all season, so to come in today and do two good dives, I'm super happy and I'm just excited to see how this turns out."
Eleanor Smart leaps from the private balcony in Round 2
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
Although not at her brilliant best on Friday, Australia’s Iffland sits only 1.4 points behind Smart in third place, with fellow Australian Xantheia Pennisi wedged between the two. Canada's Carlson, who knows she must finish above the five-time champion here to prevent Iffland picking up her sixth title with a stop to spare, is fourth after two dives.
The revised schedule means the divers will now complete their third dive on Saturday afternoon, before returning on Sunday for the final deciding round. A huge crowd is expected to gather on sea and on land, and although local hero Alessandro De Rose misses out due to injury, the home fans will have three Italian wildcards to cheer on – Elisa Cosetti, Andrea Barnaba and Davide Baraldi.
Wildcard Davide Baraldi dives right off the rooftop
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
Title contender Aidan Heslop leaps from the men's platform
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Rhiannan Iffland launches from the private balcony
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Xantheia Pennisi is aiming for her third podium finish this season
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
04
What happened in Sisikon?
52 min
Best moments from Sisikon
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series touched down in Switzerland. Watch the best action from Sisikon.
Day 2: Heslop and Iffland swoop to victory in Switzerland
England’s 20-year-old Aidan Heslop cemented his title credentials with another stunning victory at the sixth stop of the 2022 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Sisikon on Sunday, while Rhiannan Iffland edged a step closer to glory with her fifth win of the season in the Swiss sunshine.
Heslop, who is enjoying a fairy-tale first season as a permanent diver on the tour, held his nerve with the final dive of the day to make it two wins and two third-place finishes from six stops this year.
“I’ve been in this position before, first place going into the last round in Boston, and that was my first ever win. To be in the same position again I just had some anticipation about what could happen,” said Heslop. “The same thing happened again. I knew that last dive needed to be good and I hit it the way I know I can. I’m just so happy.
“I wouldn’t call one win a fluke in this competition nowadays, but to have a second one really puts my name in the books I think.”
A delighted Aidan Heslop celebrates in Lake Lucerne
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Consistency was key for the Brit as he produced four high quality dives over the two competition days, including the mammoth Forward 4 Somersaults 3½ Twists Pike which propelled him to a comfortable 40-point victory over his nearest rival, Gary Hunt.
The result lifts the youngster into second place in the overall standings, just 24 points behind Romania’s Catalin Preda, who finished fourth in Sisikon, the 90th stop of the World Series since its introduction in 2009. With just two stops to go, France’s nine-time champion Hunt sits a mere six points further back in what is now one of the tightest and most exciting title fights in years.
“It’s pretty tight at the top with these other divers, so to get a win has really bumped me up there. I’ve just got to dive the same way I did today in the next two competitions,” added Heslop.
Completing the Swiss podium in only his second-ever World Series appearance was American wildcard James Lichtenstein, whose accomplished performance from 27m hints at a bright future in the sport.
James Lichtenstein dives against the stunning backdrop
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
In the women’s competition, Australia’s Iffland was again pushed hard by Molly Carlson, but a mistake from the Canadian in the third round allowed the ‘Dominator from Down Under’ to cruise to another straightforward victory as close to 10,000 spectators packed the venue over the two days of competition.
“It’s getting closer and closer to the end of the Series and I kind of challenged myself in a different way with a new dive today and changed my format up. Obviously I’m super excited that it paid off and to finish on a dive like that, I’m absolutely wrapped,” said the 31-year-old.
“People were telling me I hadn’t won in Switzerland and was it a box I wanted to tick. In the back of my mind I was thinking it would be really cool, but I just wanted to put another good result on the board for this year and enjoy being back in a natural location.”
Spectators watch Rhiannan Iffland from the lake
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content pool
The win in Switzerland adds another number to Iffland’s already astonishing record; it’s now five wins in a row this season and 28 victories in 35 starts since her debut in 2016. There may be two stops to go, but with a 210-point lead over Carlson in the overall standings, a sixth title will be in the bag if she finishes above the Canadian at the next event in Polignano a Mare.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on, but I guess that’s the goal – go in strong, wrap it up and then I guess enjoy Sydney a little bit more. We’ll see, we’ll see,” Iffland added.
Rounding off the top three at Lake Lucerne was Xantheia Pennisi, who secured her second podium of the season. The 23-year-old occupies fourth place in the overall standings, just 18 points behind Canada’s Jessica Macaulay and American Eleanor Smart, who share third spot.
Xantheia Pennisi leaped into third place
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
Fans packed the lake to enjoy all the action
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
The view from the water as Gary Hunt dives
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Eleanor Smart with a handstand take-off from 22m
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
Permanent diver Constantin Popovici (ROU) is not listed on the results list as he was injured in training and could not compete. Two more athletes, Germany’s Anna Bader and Matthew Cooper from the US, had bad landings and could also not finish the competition.
From the beautiful cliffs of Sisikon, the divers will barely have a moment to catch their breath before heading to the place where houses rise from the rocks, Polignano a Mare, where this season’s penultimate competition will be contested in front a raucous Italian crowd in just one week’s time.
Day 1: Hunt and Carlson lead at Lake Lucerne
Gary Hunt and Molly Carlson got off to a flying start in Switzerland on Saturday afternoon, taking the lead after two rounds of diving at the sixth stop of the 2022 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Sisikon.
Hunt, who followed up a solid opening dive with a near-perfect Forward 4 Somersaults ½ Twist Tuck in the second round, holds a six-point lead over second-placed Aidan Heslop.
“It's great to have a lead when the other guys have got more difficult dives than you,” said the Frenchman. “In the lucky draw, I chose the 12th starting spot, I wanted to play with confidence and finish the show, which is what I did today.
“I just love it here. It's a good mixture between the cliffs and the crowds. They really get hyped up, especially with Matthias helping them along. The water's fresh, it's not too cold and it keeps you alive.”
Gary Hunt is aiming for his second win of the season
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
England’s Heslop, meanwhile, has been in remarkable form from 27m during his first season as a permanent diver and continues to apply the pressure on his more experienced rivals. The 20-year-old has two big dives in his arsenal on Sunday and he’ll certainly be one to look out for once again during the final rounds.
Ukraine’s Oleksiy Prygorov completes the top three as things stand, while the current World Series leader, Romania’s Catalin Preda, lies 16 points adrift of Hunt in sixth spot.
Down on the 22m platform, it was the unwaveringly consistent Carlson who performed best on day one. Having seen the usually perfect Rhiannan Iffland falter slightly during her second-round dive, the Canadian took advantage and edged into a three-point lead over her Australian rival with a solid Forward 3 Somersaults ½ Twist Pike.
“Wow, I didn’t know that I was in the lead for day one,” said the 23-year-old. “I'm really excited. I'm trying my new big dive tomorrow. So, to push myself to these boundaries and to already have the up on Rhiannan makes me feel really confident and so hopefully it continues.”
Xantheia Pennisi occupies third spot heading into Sunday’s final rounds.
Molly Carlson was the epitome of consistency once again
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
With injuries beginning to take their toll on some divers during this action-packed season, a record-equalling 11 wildcards are taking to the platforms this weekend. In the women’s line up, Italy’s Elisa Cosetti replaces Mexico’s Adriana Jimenez, while in the men’s it’s the American James Lichtenstein and local diver Jean David Duval who replace the injured Italian Alessandro De Rose and Romania’s Constantin Popovici.
Swiss diver Matthias Appenzeller leaps against the stunning backdrop
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
Rhiannan Iffland wasn't at her brilliant best on day one
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Impressive wildcard James Lichtenstein is fourth after two dives
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Maria Paula Quintero in action at Lake Lucerne
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
On Sunday afternoon, all 24 divers will return to the platforms stretching out from the magnificent Uri-Stone, as the final two rounds are contested in front of what is expected to be a huge crowd out on the lake.
05
What happened in Mostar?
53 min
Best moments from Mostar
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series returned to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Watch the best action from Mostar.
Day 3: record-breaking Popovici and champion Iffland win at Stari Most
Romania's Constantin Popovici broke the record for the highest-ever competition score as he secured his second victory of the 2022 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Mostar, while the dominant Rhiannan Iffland of Australia cruised to a fourth win on the spin in the women's competition.
On a weekend of high-quality diving and amid a deluge of 10s from the judges for his rivals, it was 33-year-old Popovici who ultimately stormed to victory at Stari Most. Despite picking up only one 10 himself across the three days of competition, it was unerring consistency coupled with a high Degree of Difficulty that saw the Romanian beat his compatriot Catalin Preda into second place by a 23-point margin. His total of 481.5 points also secured the record high score in a single competition, which was previously held by Preda.
"Of course, I feel very good right now and the level is growing incredibly. I knew this one was going to be tough. Mostar is always very strong, it's mid-season and everybody is super focused, so I'm glad I was more focused than everyone else and won today," said Popovici, whose up and down season reached a new height in this epic and historic setting.
"It can always get better and I'm sure it will. Catalin made a high score in Paris and people thought this is it, but some thought it might be broken soon and I'm sure mine will also be broken again."
Record-breaker Constantin Popovici on his way to victory
© Predrag Vuckovic/Red Bull Content Pool
Today's victory, Popovici's second of the season after Copenhagen, lifts the European high diving champion back into a title fight that had been threatening to leave him behind after a poor showing at the previous stop in Oslo. Preda, whose final dive into the Neretva River earned him four 10s from the judges and a fourth podium in five stops this year, still leads the way in the overall standings with 760 points.
Aidan Heslop completed the top three in Mostar and the 20-year-old's stunning first season as a permanent diver shows no signs of slowing down. The Brit sits in third place overall with 646 points, just 34 points behind France's Gary Hunt, who finished in fourth place here.
Ukraine's Oleksiy Prygorov, who smashed his previous personal high score with a performance that would have earned him a first podium at three of this season's previous four stops, finished in fifth place in front of 20,000 spectators over the course of three days.
In the women's competition, it was the season's top two performers who fought a close battle all the way to the final round. Five-time champion Rhiannan Iffland has been chased hard this year by Canada's Molly Carlson, who had kicked things off with a first victory at the season opener in Boston. But the 30-year-old Australian once again used every bit of her experience and composure to nail a typically stunning final dive, picking up a 10 from one of the judges as she stretched away for her fourth win in as many stops.
"I think that second place in Boston gave me a little kick up the butt and it made me driven. This one was really exciting; it was back and forth between myself and Molly the whole event. I knew that with that last dive I had to do something special and I'm stoked I pulled it off. Four in a row really sets me up and I'm ready to go into the last rounds of the season," said Iffland, whose 170-point lead in the overall standings now puts her on the cusp of collecting a sixth King Kahekili trophy.
"Yes, I made the hat-trick. For me it was such a love-hate relationship with diving here and I still do find it quite an intimidating place to dive. I think I found a way to control those feelings and that's sometimes the most important thing."
Rhiannan Iffland braces for another rip entry into the Neretva River
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
For Carlson, still only 23, it continues to be a hugely successful first season as a permanent diver. That’s four podiums - including three runner-up spots - this season and she sits a comfortable 238 points ahead of third-placed American Eleanor Smart in the overall standings.
Jessica Macaulay, last season's World Series runner-up, completed the women's podium in Mostar and occupies fourth place in the overall standings.
Mostar, the place with the world's longest high diving tradition, once again stunningly showcased this ever-growing sport reaching a new level. New talents debuted with never-before-attempted dives, a record champion scored 10s but missed the podium due to the quality of others and an expert crowd cheered the 24 cliff diving athletes all the way.
Spectators filled every vantage point to enjoy the action
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
An armstand take-off for Blake Aldridge
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
Maria Paula Quintero leaps from the women's 21m platform
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
Fellow divers watch Carlos Gimeno in action
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
From Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series travels to picturesque Sisikon in Switzerland, as the fight for crucial championship points continues in the 6th of eight stops in two weeks’ time.
Day 2: ten-sational Hunt and Iffland take the lead
Nine-time Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series champion, Gary Hunt, produced an immaculate second-round dive to cruise into the lead at Stari Most on Friday afternoon. The Frenchman picked up three 10s from the five judges after ripping his Forward 4 Somersaults ½ Twist Tuck into the Neretva River.
"It's my seventh time here, so it does get easier, but just coming from Rome where I had twisting problems - that is an extra twist in the 10m platform - that's kind of shaken me up. I was nervous today. I made sure I got my optional dives out the way, and they went well. So out there on the platform for the competition, I was feeling great," said Hunt, who finally found his first win of the season last time out in Oslo. "It is a very close event, very close battle. I'm hoping to get a good result here again."
Pure concentration from Gary Hunt before earning 10s
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
With just one dive completed from the 27m platform on the second day of competition, following Thursday’s opening round direct from the Stari Most stone arch, Hunt will carry a seven-point lead into Saturday’s final rounds. Romania’s Catalin Preda sits in second place after two dives, while Oleksiy Prygorov of Ukraine and Spanish wildcard Carlos Gimeno also caught the eye in Round 2 and sit in joint third as things stand.
"My dive was really good. I felt way better than in training and was really happy with that. But I guess there's a difference between 9s and 10s. Gary probably got 11s, also. I don't know what he did," said Preda, the current World Series leader.
"Good on him. I heard the reaction of the crowd, and it was great, but I'm happy so far with my dives. I'm up there, above 9s and 9.5s. So, two more rounds tomorrow. Let's keep the focus where it needs to be and smash it."
Hunt and Preda’s fellow title contenders, Aidan Heslop of the UK and Romanian Constantin Popovici, are also just about within striking distance in fifth and sixth, respectively.
Armstand specialist Carlos Gimeno provided the 'wow' factor in round two
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
In the women’s competition, another reigning champion was in near-perfect form, as Rhiannan Iffland picked up one 10 from the judges on her way to snatching the lead from Molly Carlson. The five-time champion’s Forward 3 Somersaults ½ Twist Pike was expertly executed from the 21m platform and helped her to open up an eight-point lead over her Canadian title rival.
“The Intermediate Dive went super well. To be honest, I was struggling to find my place mentally in yesterday’s round and even in the training today, but I managed to get in the zone and then put down a dive that I’m happy with. A lead going into tomorrow is a good thing,” said Iffland, who is aiming to extend her lead in the overall standings with a fourth win on the spin this weekend.
Style and precision as always from Rhiannan Iffland
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
Colombia’s Maria Paula Quintero, still waiting for a first podium finish since becoming a permanent diver two seasons ago, sits in third place heading into Saturday’s final two rounds.
Day 1: paying homage to a centuries-old tradition
Stop 5 of the 2022 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series kicked off in fascinating style in Bosnia & Herzegovina on Thursday afternoon, as the world’s best cliff divers opened up the competition with one dive directly from Mostar’s historic old bridge, Stari Most.
The iconic landmark has been used as a platform for local divers to leap into the fast-flowing Neretva River for more than 450 years, and the cliff diving elite honoured that tradition as both the men and women contested the first round right off the beautiful stone arch.
Colombian wildcard Miguel Garcia, who performed impressively in his first World Series appearance in three years last time out in Oslo, was the eye-catching diver on day one. The 31-year-old ripped his opening dive into the river to earn the round’s highest score, including a 10 from one judge.
“I did good in Oslo and now I’ve just got the first 10 of my life in high diving,” said Garcia. “I’m shocked and I’m just enjoying the day and staying ready for the next dive. I’ve dove from bridges in Colombia so I feel comfortable and maybe that helps to focus on the technique and not the environment. I just want to keep diving like that.”
Miguel Garcia celebrates after his spectacular first dive
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Having only completed one dive, just 6.5 points separate the top 10 men, with everything still to play for heading into Friday’s second round and Saturday’s final two dives.
In the women’s competition, it’s this season’s two title contenders who lead the way after the first round. Canada’s Molly Carlson fared slightly better than five-time champion Rhiannan Iffland, edging into a 3.9-point lead over the Australian on day one.
“I am thrilled to be back in Mostar," said Carlson. "It’s my first Red Bull Cliff Diving competition at a repeat location so I have a little bit of confidence that is really shining through, and I love diving from the bridge and to do it well and lead the women’s event is a really exciting moment.
“So, I hope this carries some momentum into the next days of competition and I can’t wait to keep diving in front of this amazing community.”
Molly Carlson leads the women after one round
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
Despite only being rewarded with low scores from the judges, Iffland’s fellow Australian Xantheia Pennisi wowed the spectators with the first-ever handstand take-off directly from the old bridge.
A World Series first for Xantheia Pennisi on the old bridge
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
This location has kick-started quite a few cliff diving careers in previous years and it has become the only place in World Series history where two wildcards have made the podium on their debut – current World Series leader Catalin Preda from Romania in 2018 and Nikita Fedotov in 2017.
In 2022, it’s no less than three new divers who are debuting at the old bridge: James Lichtenstein and Susanna Fish of the USA, along with Leyla Salyamova.
“It’s incredible and exciting. I love the cold water. My dive in the competition was better than in warm-up, so that’s good. I hope I will not I didn't disappoint my coach,” said Salyamova, who sits in eighth position after Round 1. “I love this feeling and the atmosphere around. The other divers are so welcoming, and I feel like I’ve been around for ten years.”
Leyla Salyamova making her first competitive leap from Stari Most
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
The 23-year-old diver calls it ‘pleasure pressure’ thinking about the challenge at hands in the upcoming days. A feeling that another first-time wildcard can perfectly relate to. After training in Polignano a Mare last year and Boston earlier this season, James Lichtenstein from Chicago finally got to show his high diving skills for scores from the judges.
“It’s super cool! I've been watching the Red Bull World Series for almost 10 years now and seeing this picturesque place in person - I just couldn't stop smiling," an elated Lichtenstein explained after his first World Series experience. "Being here is pretty cool and all the locals love, love the sport as well.
“I'm glad to finally be able to show my stuff to the world and I’m looking forward to showing some harder dives. I’ve the back quint on Saturday and as long as I get a good take-off and a good kick out, it should be fun.”
Following this unique first round, the more familiar 21m and 27m platforms will be erected on top of the bridge overnight, before competition resumes on Friday afternoon.
06
What happened in Oslo?
52 min
Best moments from Oslo
The fourth stop of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series was in Norway. Here’s everything you can’t miss.
Day 2: Hunt and Iffland sizzle in Opera House thriller
Gary Hunt bounced back in the style fitting of a nine-time champion in Oslo, putting the memories of a poor showing in Copenhagen behind him to record his first victory of the season at the fourth attempt. The Frenchman posted his worst result in four years in the Danish capital, but nailed every dive from the 30m-long platform on the roof of the Oslo Opera House to return to winning ways.
It was a much-needed victory for the 38-year-old, who this season finds himself under more pressure than ever before to retain his title. Catalin Preda and Constantin Popovici have been proving worthy title challengers, and while the Romanian pair weren’t at their very best in the Norwegian capital, it was England’s rising star Aidan Heslop and Italy’s Alessandro De Rose who provided a stiff test for Hunt in front of 55,000 sun-drenched spectators.
Gary Hunt made it four different men's winners in four stops this season
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
Leading going into the final round, the reigning champion found himself in the exact same situation as he was in Denmark. This time, however, he held his nerve and composure with the final dive of the day to move past De Rose and Heslop, who finished second and third respectively.
Hunt celebrates his first win of the season on the podium
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
“It feels great. I'm so glad. I got myself into a position like I was in Copenhagen with just needing one good dive, but I made a mistake the last time. I was not going to make that same mistake twice," said Hunt, now the winner of 44 competitions in 88 events.
"We've got a lot of competitions coming up very close back-to-back. So obviously it feels great to get a win, get four good dives and I'm in the mix now. I was seeing the season slip away from me a little bit, so everything is very close together. I'm going to take confidence and I'm trying to keep going.”
Today's result means there have now been four different men's winners in four stops this season. In the overall standings, Preda still leads the way with 600 points, but Hunt has now closed the gap to just 30 points. Heslop remains firmly in the title fight just 54 points further back as his remarkable first season as a permanent diver rolls on.
In the women’s competition, just 5.5 points separated Rhiannan Iffland and Canada’s Molly Carlson going into the final two rounds, but it was the Australian who came out firing on day 2, picking up three 9s from the judges for a beautifully executed third round dive.
Carlson couldn’t match it, and the reigning champion stretched her lead to 20 points going into the final round. Another near-perfect fourth dive drew 9.5s from the panel and Iffland sealed her third win of the season.
Spectators watch from the Opera House as Rhiannan Iffland leaps to victory
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
A mammoth 51 points separated the top two on the day, while the Oslo podium was completed by American wildcard Meili Carpenter, who continued her impressive season with a repeat of her third place from Boston.
“My 26th win, incredible! I’m riding this wave of confidence and really enjoying the diving. I was really drawing from the energy of the crowd. It was really, really special and it's so nice putting on a great show for them,” said 30-year-old Iffland. “I’ve heard that the weather is the best they’ve had all summer as well, so that's a really special moment.”
Iffland, whose 13-event winning streak was ended by her Canadian rival at the season opener, now extends her lead at the top of the overall standings to 130 points. Eleanor Smart of the USA sits in third place, almost 200 points further back behind second-placed Carlson.
Thousands of fans turned out to watch the cliff divers in action
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
Blake Aldridge twists into action
© Romina Amato/Red Bull Content Pool
Fans watch from the harbour as Molly Carlson dives
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool
Nikita Fedotov leaps from the 27m platform
© Dean Treml/Red Bull Content Pool