David
Colturi
United States
·
Cliff Diving
Date of birth | April 30, 1989 |
|---|---|
Birthplace | Michigan |
Age | 37 |
Nationality | United States |
Career start | 2009 |
Discipline | Cliff Diving |
Despite competing somewhat sporadically as a wildcard for the past four seasons, the American continues to exhibit the same dedication, effort and quality that he regularly displayed in his twenties.
For proof, look no further than last season’s World Series finale, when Colturi fed off the energy of a home crowd in Boston and catapulted himself to a first podium finish since 2019; a result which helped earn him a first permanent ticket in 5 years.
Overcoming injury
The jubilation of this achievement was tempered somewhat in December, however, when Colturi was forced to go back under the knife for surgery on a shoulder injury that has hampered him for years.
“Supraspinatus again on my left shoulder, I re-injured it along the way last year, so my surgeon is cautioning me to be very conservative this year,” explains Colturi, who has endured more than his fair share of injuries over the years, including a ruptured spleen in the lead up to the Sisikon competition in 2018.
Finding the spark
Having started diving at the age of five, Colturi enjoyed some high-level success, and in 2009 he was the US National Champion at 10m individual and synchronised. But, he openly admits that the “grind” had gotten to him and the enjoyment had diminished.
Having started diving at the age of five, Colturi enjoyed some high-level success, and in 2009 he was the US National Champion at 10m individual and synchronised. But, he openly admits that the “grind” had gotten to him and the enjoyment had diminished.
All that changed though, when he took a summer job in an amusement park after graduating from college. There, while working in a water stunt show, he took his first dives from a 20-metre perch, and his passion for the sport he loved was reignited.
Adrenaline seeker
Away from cliff diving, ‘spleenless Dave’ (as he likes to sign off his emails) is forever on the lookout for new and stimulating activities, both mentally and physically. This can involve anything from surfing to biking, while downtime often means burying his head in a good book or pursuing his research of high performance.
Once known affectionately as the ‘Peter Pan of cliff diving’, Colturi held the title of youngest winner of a World Series event – aged 24 in Malcesine – until a certain Aidan Heslop arrived on the scene. Cliff diving fans will be praying the recovery goes well this year and the American can continue to defy the sands of time.
Career Highlights
- 2025 - 3rd Place: Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series - Boston, USA
- 2019 - 2nd Place: Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series - Beirut, Lebanon
- 2018 - 2nd Place: Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series - Azores, Portugal
- 2017 - 2nd Place: Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series - Polignano a Mare, Italy
- 2015 - 2nd Place: Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series - Cartagena, Colombia
- 2013 - 1st Place: Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series - Malcesine, Italy
- 2012 - Winner: Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Qualification Competition
- 2011 - Debut: Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series - Boston, USA
- 2009 - US National Diving Champion: 10m Individual & Synchronised