Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Magazine 2026

O F F I C I A L P E R FO R M A N C E PA RT N E R

THE RED BULL CLIFF DIVING WORLD ­SERIES IS WHERE COURAGE MEETS ­P RE­C ISION. TWENTY-FOUR OF THE WORLD’S TOP ATHLETES—12 WOMEN, 12 MEN —LEAP FROM HEIGHTS OF 21 AND 27 M­ ETRES, REACHING SPEEDS OVER 85 KM/H IN A ­T HREE-­S ECOND FREEFALL THAT DEMANDS TOTAL FOCUS AND CONTROL.

NOW IN ITS 17TH SEASON, THE SERIES SPANS SIX COUNTRIES AND SOME OF THE PLANET’S MOST BREATHTAKING SETTINGS: BALI’S WATERFALLS, ST. PETERSBURG’S WATERFRONT PIER, COPENHAGEN’S OPERA HOUSE, STUNNING STARI MOST, POLIGNANO A MARE’S LIMESTONE CLIFFS, AND OMAN’S CANYONS AND COASTAL CAPITAL. EACH STOP DELIVERS ITS OWN UNIQUE MIX OF NATURAL BEAUTY, URBAN SPECTACLE, AND CULTURAL FLAIR, CREATING CHALLENGES NO TWO DIVERS WILL FACE TWICE. SINCE 2009, THE WORLD SERIES HAS TURNED CLIFF DIVING INTO A GLOBAL SPECTACLE. ATHLETES PUSH THE LIMITS WITH COMPLEX DIVES, CHASING THE COVETED KING KAHEKILI TROPHY WHILE THOUSANDS WATCH ON-SITE AND MILLIONS TUNE IN WORLDWIDE. EVERY DIVE TELLS A STORY—OF SKILL, ­BRAVERY, AND HUMAN MASTERY—SET AGAINST THE MOST STUNNING BACKDROPS THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER. THIS IS CLIFF DIVING AT ITS ABSOLUTE PEAK. TURN THE PAGE TO FIND OUT EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE SEASON!

RED BULL CLIFF DIVING WORLD SERIES

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* Final confirmation subject to ­ ongoing developments in the region.

WORLD SERIES RULES & REGULATIONS

32

DIVER WOMEN 34 KAYLEA ARNETT 36 NELLI CHUKANIVSKA 38 RHIANNAN IFFLAND 40 XANTHEIA PENNISI 42 WILDCARDS

46

DIVER MEN 48 DAVID COLTURI 50 GARY HUNT 52 JONATHAN PAREDES 54 CATALIN PREDA 56 WILDCARDS

60

49 CARLOS GIMENO 51 JAMES LICHTENSTEIN 53 CONSTANTIN POPOVICI 55 OLEKSIY PRYGOROV

LOCATIONS 62 BALI 64 COPENHAGEN 66 POLIGNANO A MARE

72 80

35 MOLLY CARLSON 37 LISA FAULKNER 39 SIMONE LEATHEAD 41 GINNI VAN KATWIJK

63 ST. PETERSBURG 65 MOSTAR 67 MUSCAT

MEDIA INFO & ASSETS ENCYCLOPAEDIA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

01 14

When Dutch diver Ginni van Katwijk posted on her Instagram page, 'The most magical place to dive off a ­waterfall!', about leaping from the edge of the Manai waterfall into the sacred ­waters of the Gokase River in Takachiho, Japan, in August 2023, she perfectly captured the thoughts of everyone who was there.

WELCOME BY THE SPORTS DIRECTOR As we head into the 2026 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, the depth of the field is stronger than ever. Eight ­women and eight men will compete across the season, supported by a strong pool of wildcards and emerging hopefuls eager to make their mark.

Five athletes in this year’s lineup have already won the title, and on the men’s side every permanent diver has claimed at least one individual World Series victory, which speaks volumes about the level of competition.

A key storyline will be the return of 2024 champion Aidan Heslop following injury, as he steps back into a field led by the consistent reigning champion, Gary Hunt.

In the women's competition, Rhiannan Iffland returns with an impressive track record of success. What sets her apart is not only her ability in the air, but also her composure under pressure. Meanwhile, the overall level of the field is rising, and the competition is becoming fiercer.

Across six demanding and diverse competitions, the athletes will need to balance ambition with ­consistency. ­Ultimately, it is the diver who can ­manage this balance best over the ­season who will lift the King Kahekili Trophy.

I can't wait for the 2026 season to begin. I wish all the cliff divers the very best!

ORLANDO DUQUE

OVERALL RANKINGS 2025

WOMEN 1- Rhiannan Iffland AUS – 83pts.

2- Simone Leathead CAN – 42 3- Kaylea Arnett USA – 38 4- Xantheia Pennisi (W) AUS – 31 5- Lisa Faulkner (W) USA – 31 6- Nelli Chukanivska UKR – 30 7- Meili Carpenter USA – 26 8- Molly Carlson CAN – 24 9- Ginni van Katwijk NED – 21 10- Elisa Cosetti ITA – 18 11- Maria Paula Quintero (W) COL – 13 12- Iris Schmidbauer (W) GER – 10 13- Morgane Herculano (W) SUI – 5 14- Maya Kelly (W) USA – 4 15- Paula Gilabert (W) ESP – 3 16- Madeleine Bayon (W) FRA – 2 17- Isabel Perez (W) COL – 1 18- Eleanor Smart (W) USA – 1

MEN 1- Gary Hunt (W) FRA – 54pts.

2- Constantin Popovici ROU – 48 3- Carlos Gimeno ESP – 46 4- James Lichtenstein USA – 45 5- Jonathan Paredes (W) MEX – 41 6- Oleksiy Prygorov UKR – 31 7- Catalin Preda (W) ROU – 29 8- Andrea Barnaba ITA – 23 9- Miguel Garcia (W) COL – 18 10- David Colturi (W) USA – 16 11- Nikita Fedotov (W) ARM – 10 12- Yolotl Martinez MEX – 10 13- Braden Rumpit (W) NZL – 5 14- Scott Lazeroff (W) USA – 3 15- Sergio Guzman MEX – 2 16- Davide Baraldi (W) ITA – 2 17- Archie Biggin (W) GBR – 1

THE WORLD’S LEADING CLIFF DIVERS

Since its launch in 2009, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series has ushered in a new era for this pure, captivating sport. The world’s top cliff divers have elevated it to new heights of performance, creativity, courage, adrenaline, and adventure.

at each stop. Launching from heights of up to 27 metres and reaching speeds of 85 km/h in just three seconds, every dive demonstrates exceptional focus, physical mastery, and mental strength as the athletes vie for the coveted King Kahekili Trophy.

In the most prestigious series of cliff diving competitions, the top eight women and men from 2025 have earned a permanent place in the 2026 World Series via the World Ranking.

During the multi-day event, 12 women and 12 men, aged 19 to 41 and hailing from at least 17 countries, will showcase their acrobatic skills to ­international judges and live audiences

SCAN ME TO FIND OUT MORE!

CLIFF DIVING SCIENCE Risks – The landing is the most ­ angerous part of a dive. As the body d decelerates upon hitting the water, parts above the surface are still ­t ravelling at full speed, making it critical to maintain full body tension. Divers must immediately align and r­ etract their bodies after impact to avoid twisting or crushing injuries. Years of ­technical training and experience allow them to manage these forces and ­minimize mistakes.

In the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, dives from 27 metres already push the limits of speed and impact. Heights above 28 metres offer little a ­ dditional time advantage but dramatically increase the risk of injury, making them impractical for competition.

Cliff diving remains an elite extreme sport: by the end of the 2025 season, 116 athletes from 27 countries had competed in the World Series.

Platform ˇ Stable take-off board construction ˇ Minimum length: 1.5 m | 4 ft ˇ Minimum width: 0.75 m | 2 ft ˇ Platform rim at least 2 m | 6 ft beyond the vertical fall line

A DIVE IN NUMBERS

Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series heights 28 m | 92 ft max. height 26.5 m | 87 ft min. height

Dive height → 27 m | 90 ft for men → 21 m | 70 ft for women Take-off jump → Up to 0.8 m Rotation speed → 2.4 per second Vertical velocity → 22.5 m | 73.8 ft per second Time in the air → 2.6 seconds Water entry → Up to 85 kph | 53 mph Impact deceleration → 10 G

22 m | 72 ft max. height 20 m | 65 ft min. height

Olympic platform diving

10 m | 33 ft

IMPACT UP TO 9 TIMES HARDER THAN FROM 10 M PLATFORM

Safety in action ˇ Three safety divers at landing point ˇ Paramedics next to the diving point ˇ Ambulance on standby Water spray The water spray breaks the surface and provides an important reference point for the divers.

Heights can vary due to tides and waves -5 m | 16.4 ft Minimum water depth

SCAN ME TO FIND OUT MORE!

REVIEW 2009 The inaugural Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series kicks-off in La Rochelle, France.

Orlando Duque (COL) is crowned 1st World Series champion.

small scratch on his forehead.

He has been called the 'miracle man' ever since.

2016 The biggest World Series ever, with nine stops around the globe, culminates with the first and only night event in Dubai.

2010 Gary Hunt (GBR) becomes the ‘brilliant Brit’ with 4 wins and 2 ­podiums in 6 competitions.

The final is held in Hawaii, the sport’s birthplace.

2011 The World Series takes place at one of its most remote venues in Rapa Nui, Chile, 3,700 km from the ­mainland.

2012 The title is decided during the hottest finale in Oman’s Wadi Shab at temperatures over 40 °C. In the final dive, Gary Hunt wins by just 1.85 points over Orlando Duque.

World Aquatics recognises high diving as a professional sport and ­includes it in its official programme.

2013 Four different locations in ­T hailand’s Krabi Province make for a pure cliff diving adventure. After 8 ­c ompetition dives Artem Silchenko (RUS) wins the stop and the overall title.

2014 The introduction of the w ­ omen’s competition to the World Series marked the start of a new era. Rachelle Simpson (USA) becomes the 1st female champion.

2015 Steven LoBue (USA) hits the platform with his head in La Rochelle, France. He finishes his dive with only a

A wildcard, Australian cliff diving sensation Rhiannan Iffland, is crowned Women’s World Series champion.

2017 Four-time Olympic gold medallist Greg Louganis follows Niki Stajkovic (AUT) as sports director.

With a failed dive at the season finale in Chile, Gary Hunt paves the way for ‘style master’ Jonathan Paredes (MEX) to secure his first overall victory.

2018 The World Series celebrates its 10th anniversary with seven ­competitions in classic venues.

On June 2, the hottest event to date is recorded in Texas: it’s 44.5 °C when the divers hit the flat waters at Hell’s Gate.

2019 For the first time an athlete wins every stop: Rhiannan Iffland achieves the perfect season.

Orlando Duque bows out from an illustrious career during the final in Bilbao.

Gary Hunt scores the perfect dive in his 77th appearance, becoming the first person in World Series history to get all 10s from the judges.

2020 The World Series is cancelled due to the pandemic.

2021 A record season is marked with 54 tens awarded by the judges in five competitions.

2022 Orlando Duque follows Greg Louganis as sports director.

Sydney sees a triple title fight with Gary Hunt extending his reign with his 10th title in the final dive of the season.

2023 Each competition dive must be performed from a different take-off direction, requiring greater versatility from the divers.

For the first time since 2017, the World Series crowns a new champion in the men’s. Romania’s Constantin Popovici becomes the 5th cliff diver to win the overall title.

239 days pass between stop 1 (June 3) and stop 6 (January 28) – the longest season to date spans over 34 weeks. It is the first time that the final competition takes place in the next year.

2024 A new Degree of Difficulty table is introduced to reflect the latest ­developments in the sport.

The Boston event marks the 100th stop in Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series history. By this milestone, 103 athletes from 25 countries have competed in at least one event.

On 10 November, Aidan Heslop becomes the youngest overall winner at 22 years of age.

2025 Ukraine’s Nelli Chukanivska is the youngest permanent diver ever, at just 18 years old.

Gary Hunt becomes the first male wildcard to win the King Kahekili Trophy.

Aged 41, the Frenchman is not only the oldest diver on the circuit, but also the most decorated.

Rhiannan Iffland makes it her 3rd perfect season after 2019 and 2021.

FRESH FACTS FOR 2026

1 NEW PERMANENT ATHLETE LISA FAULKNER (USA).

5 ATHLETES REGAINED ­PERMANENT STATUS: XANTHEIA PENNISI; DAVID COLTURI, GARY HUNT, JONATHAN PAREDES, CATALIN PREDA.

THE ADDITION OF THREE BRAND-NEW STOPS TO THE ­CALENDAR – BALI, ST. PETERSBURG AND MUSCAT – AS WELL AS INDONESIA HOSTING THE RED BULL CLIFF DIVING WORLD SERIES FOR THE FIRST TIME, HIGHLIGHT THE ONGOING GLOBAL EVOLUTION OF THE SPORT.

Celia Fernández, Spain’s first female cliff diver, dives into the ‘Cave of Light’ in Ibiza. This name is inspired by the way

s­ unlight ­illuminates the entire cave, especially at midday, creating a stunning blue glow.

The judges award points ­between 0 and 10, with ­half-point increments for ­take-off, execution in the air and water entry.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

COMPETITION FORMAT Ahead of each competition a draw determines the diving order for the 1st round.

Depending on the specific r­ equirements and conditions at each stop, the duration of the competition can be either two or three days, but will always comprise four rounds.

12 DIVERS 8 permanent + 4 wildcards

ROUND 1

DAY 1

maximum DD WOMEN 2.6 MEN 2.8

ROUND 2 maximum DD WOMEN 3.4 MEN 3.6

In reverse starting order based on cumulative points from previous rounds.

DAY 2

ROUND 3

FINAL ROUND In reverse starting order based on ­cumulative points from previous rounds.

OPTIONAL DIVE ROUNDS No capped Degree of Difficulty (DD).

Every element of the dive counts as per DD table in the rulebook.

The winner of any individual stop is the diver with the highest point total from this competition after four dives.

PERFORMANCE

INSPIRED BY

O C E A N S TA R

PHOTOGRAPHER ROMINA AMATO @ RED BULL CLIFF DIVING WORLD SERIES

JUDGING AND ...

A PANEL OF FIVE INTERNATIONAL JUDGES EVALUATES EACH DIVE ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: ˇ TAKE OFF ˇ POSITION IN THE AIR ˇ ENTRY IN THE WATER DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY The Degree of Difficulty of each dive – or DD – is calculated based on the difficulty of the execution of each manoeuvre and the junction of each dive component. ˇ Type of take off ˇ Number of twists ˇ Number of somersaults ˇ Position during the somersaults ˇ Type of entry

The DD table was adjusted for the 2024 World Series and ranges from 2.6 (women) and 2.8 (men) for the Required Dives to up to 6.0 for the hardest dives currently performed in the sport.

PTS

POS

According to the official Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series rulebook, the judges must evaluate what is seen and not what wants to be seen. In addition, each dive must be judged without any bias towards the diver or dive to ensure an objective result.

POINTS are awarded from 1st to last place, including wildcards.

BEST DIVE OF THE COMPETITION In the women’s and men’s competitions, the diver who performs the best dive at each tour stop will be awarded one point.

This bonus will count only for the Red Bull Cliff World Series overall ranking.

... SCORING SCORES from 0 to 10 in half point increments.

5 scores by 5 judges.

Judges score the dives without assistance.

HIGHEST & LOWEST score are discarded.

The remaining three scores are added together.

THE SUM is multiplied by the Degree of Difficulty for each dive.

SCORES from all four rounds are cumulated to produce the final result of the competition.

POINTS PER COMPETITION All results from the individual competitions count towards the overall World Series ranking.

JUDGES

FIVE JUDGES The Competition Committee will select and confirm three judges, one assistant head judge and one head judge for each tour stop from a pool of 12 judges.

Judges for each event will be chosen based on their performance, availability and travel considerations.

Antonio Martinez (MEX) Former diver and high diver, head judge

Cyrille Oumedjkane (FRA) World Series diver between 2009 and 2016; head judge

Anke Piper (GER) Three-time European champion 10m, head judge

Jeff Arbon (AUS) Participant Olympic Games Seoul 1988

Sam Dorman (USA) Silver medallist Olympic Games Rio 2016

Ginger Huber (USA) 25-time competitor in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series between 2014 and 2019

Simon Latimer (NZL) Former New Zealand Diving Team Member, three-time Olympic judge

Julian Llinas (ESP) Judge at three Olympic Games

Egill Ormarsson (DEN) Competed and performed in high diving between 1995 and 2009

Valerio Polazzo (ITA) Judge since 2023

Eber Pava (COL) 12-time competitor in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series between 2009 and 2013

Marion Reiff (AUT) Participant Olympic Games Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004

DOS & DON’TS THE JUDGES DEDUCT POINTS FROM THEIR SCORES WHEN…

Take Off ˇ The diver does not show a steady balance and control in an armstand dive. The body should come to rest in a vertical and straight alignment for no less than two full seconds before initiating the dive action.

Execution ˇ An intermediate break of position, a break in ­position at or just before the entry occurs and if a dive is done in a ­completely different position than ­announced. ˇ The straight position upon take-off is not shown for at least one quarter of a somersault in all flying dives. ˇ An obvious break of straight position occurs after at least one complete somersault has been performed in either tuck or pike position.

Entry ˇ The arms at the entry are away from the body and either below or above the shoulders. ˇ A dive is over- or under-­ twisted by more than 90° the head judge declares a failed dive.

WHAT THE JUDGES CONSIDER A MISTAKE:

Powerless take-offs, i­ncorrect distance to the ­platform.

Unaesthetic execution, open or crossed legs, unpointed toes, legs that are not straight in pike, layout position or entry phase.

Short and non-vertical entries, under- or over-rotated entries.

This picture encapsulates everything that Polignano a Mare stands for in Red Bull Cliff Diving.

You can feel the elements, with wild water below you and the wind in your ears. You can sense

the proximity of the spectators and their excitement for the sport, as well as the perfect combination of diving from private properties and being immersed in a natural environment.

DIVE POSITIONS

PIKE With knees straight but a tight bend at the hips.

3 POSITIONS ALL THREE POSITIONS (STRAIGHT, PIKE, TUCK) MUST BE SHOWN.

SOMERSAULT The diver rotates head over end, forwards, backwards, reverse or inward. The record number of somersaults is currently 5.

STRAIGHT With no bend at the knees or hips.

TUCK Body folded into a tight ball, hands holding the shins and toes pointed.

SCAN ME TO FIND OUT MORE!

FREE Body position is optional, but legs must be together, and toes pointed.

DIVE COMPONENTS

BARANI One somersault forward rotation with a ½ twist. The entry manoeuvre gives the diver the best view of the water.

BLIND ENTRY The last time the diver sees the water is at least half a somersault before entry and so they line up “blind”.

TWIST The body twists on axis whilst rotating. The record number of twists is currently five.

FLYING Dives consisting of at least one complete somersault performed in the straight position at no less than 90°. The straight position must be followed by either tuck or pike.

DIVE DIRECTIONS

FORWARD The diver takes off facing the water and rotates forwards.

Each one of the five directions can also incorporate an axial twisting movement.

BACK The diver takes off with their back to the ­water and rotates backwards.

ARMSTAND The armstand can be executed forward, back, reverse and inward.

REVERSE The diver takes off facing the water and rotates backwards towards the platform.

SCAN ME TO FIND OUT MORE!

INWARD The diver takes off with their back to the water and rotates forward towards the platform.

HOW TO WATCH WATCH THE FINAL ROUNDS OF ALL STOPS OF THE 2026 RED BULL CLIFF DIVING WORLD SERIES LIVE AND ON DEMAND ON REDBULLCLIFFDIVING.COM, RED BULL TV AND YOUTUBE. ALL ROUNDS CAN BE WATCHED ON YOUTUBE. FOLLOW @REDBULLCLIFFDIVING TO NOT MISS A DIVE!

Sneak a peek behind the scenes of Red Bull Cliff Diving with the show ‘More than a Dive’ on Red Bull TV and YouTube and follow your heroes closely with a dedicated 26-minute show on YouTube.

CHECK REDBULLCLIFFDIVING.COM FOR YOUR LOCAL TIMES.

All you need for cliff diving is a high cliff with a stretch of water below, a swimsuit, and a huge amount of skill and courage. Once you have these, you can steady yourself and

jump straight off the rocks. If you have what it takes, you will experience three seconds of absolute freedom. Don't spoil these short moments while gravity does its job.

Instead, think about the hardest braking force you can imagine: the moment your body hits the water at 85 km/h, stopping you in less than five metres. Imagine the

adrenaline rush and the confidence boost that comes from proving to yourself that the ability to overcome this massive force comes from within.

KING KAHEKILI TROPHY The King Kahekili Trophy is the ultimate symbol of excellence in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, reserved for the overall champions of the season. Named in honour of the great Hawaiian chief, the award traces its roots back to the late 1700s, when Kahekili – the last independent ruler of Maui – is said to have leaped from the sacred lava cliffs of Kaunolu, regarded as the birthplace of this majestic sport.

The ancient Hawaiian principles of mana and pono – power and b ­ alance – were central to the origins of lele kawa, loosely translated as “leaping feet-first from a high cliff into the water without making a splash.”

These values have endured since the 18th century and remain fundamental to modern cliff diving, where strength must align with precision.

The King Kahekili Trophy was created by Hawaiian artist Kuaho Zane. Its overall form references the stance of a ki’i – traditionally carved ­wooden fi ­ gures representing gods and p ­ rotective ancestors known as aumakua. The asymmetrical, cliff-like top echoes the dramatic landscapes of Hawaii, while the right side is fully detailed, mirroring the tattoo that once covered the right side of ­Kahekili’s body. The base, crafted from Koa wood, symbolizes the grounded stance of both the ki’i and the diver, who must enter the water feet first.

The World Series demands exactly what the trophy represents: the demonstration of mana and pono over an entire season – the balance of c­ ourage, control and consistency required to claim the overall title in 2026.

THE RED BULL CLIFF DIVING WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS’ AWARD OF VIRTUE & EXCELLENCE

11x Gary Hunt

9x Rhiannan Iffland

2x Rachelle Simpson

1x Jonathan Paredes

1x Orlando Duque

1x Artem Silchenko

1x Constantin Popovici

1x Aidan Heslop

Who will be celebrating when the 2026 season comes to a close?

NAMES ON THE KING KAHEKILI TROPHY TO DATE

MEN Orlando Duque, COL 2009 Gary Hunt, GBR 2010 Gary Hunt, GBR 2011 Gary Hunt, GBR 2012 Artem Silchenko, RUS 2013 Gary Hunt, GBR 2014 Gary Hunt, GBR 2015 Gary Hunt, GBR 2016 Jonathan Paredes, MEX 2017 Gary Hunt, GBR 2018 Gary Hunt, GBR 2019 Gary Hunt, FRA 2021 Gary Hunt, FRA 2022 Constantin Popovici, ROU 2023 Aidan Heslop, GBR 2024 Gary Hunt, FRA 2025

WOMEN Rachelle Simpson, USA 2014 Rachelle Simpson, USA 2015 Rhiannan Iffland, AUS 2016 Rhiannan Iffland, AUS 2017 Rhiannan Iffland, AUS 2018 Rhiannan Iffland, AUS 2019 Rhiannan Iffland, AUS 2021 Rhiannan Iffland, AUS 2022 Rhiannan Iffland, AUS 2023 Rhiannan Iffland, AUS 2024 Rhiannan Iffland, AUS 2025

2026

PERMANENT DIVERS WOMEN 2026 KAYLEA ARNETT MOLLY CARLSON NELLI CHUKANIVSKA LISA FAULKNER RHIANNAN IFFLAND SIMONE LEATHEAD XANTHEIA PENNISI GINNI VAN KATWIJK

For the eight athletes r­ epresenting five countries – alongside up to four female wildcard divers – success hinges on achieving the highest marks for form and ­composure while continuing to push the limits of acrobatic ­complexity from 21 metres.

USA CAN UKR USA AUS CAN AUS NED

PERMANENT DIVERS WOMEN

KAYLEA ARNETT

Career Highlights

Representing USA

2025 2nd place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in El Nido

Date of birth April 19, 1993

2nd place – World Aquatics High Diving World Cup in Porto Flavia

City of residence Las Vegas

3rd place overall – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2024 2nd place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Boston + ­Polignano a Mare

Rankings 2025

3

2024

5*

Height 1.61 m

Profession Diving coach/ high diving/ performing Started cliff diving in 2015 Favourite spot Lake Mead, Las Vegas Favourite dive Front double, 1.5 twist 1st World Series ­appearance 2024 Best result in a competition 2nd place

Wildcard *

34

After an impressive 4th place finish at the 2024 World Championships in Doha heralded a potential new challenger to the women’s elite, the Texas-born athlete announced herself on the World Series stage with two runner-up finishes at her first two stops that year; her dream debut ­coming on home soil in Boston.

It was clear that the women’s champion Rhiannan Iffland – who in recent years had only been challenged by Molly C ­ arlson – now had a serious new contender to deal with.

Despite injury ending the 33-year-old’s chances of making a play for the title that season, another podium finish upon her return to the 21 m platform in Montreal elevated her to an overall fifth-place

finish and with it a permanent invite to the 2025 season.

Last year, two more podiums followed, including another runner-up spot at the Philippines season opener. Despite those results being slightly offset by an ­underwhelming 11th place finish at the Boston finale, where she was ­fortunate to escape unscathed after making c­ ontact with the platform, Arnett managed to hold on for third place in the overall standings.

YOUR BIGGEST WEAKNESS? PULL UPS! MY NEMESIS! Watch Arnett open up on her deeply emotional past and what drives her in Will they Crack Under Pressure?

Career Highlights

Date of birth September 23, 1998

2025 2nd place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Boston

Height 1.70 m City of residence Montreal Profession Pro cliff diver

2024 1st place – World Aquatics World Cup Bahrain

Secret passion Promote good mental health in young athletes, especially body positivity.

2023 1st place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Mostar

Started cliff diving in 2020

2014 Youth Olympian

Favourite spot Saint-Raphael, France

Rankings

Favourite dive Front double half tuck 1st World Series ­appearance 2021 Best result in a competition 1st place

2025

8

2024

2

2023

2

2022

2

2021

3*

MOLLY CARLSON

Representing Canada

Wildcard *

35

With four victories and 19 podiums in 28 starts – including 15 runner-up ­finishes – the Canadian has become one of the most respected and recognised athletes in the sport; and is still the only diver to keep Iffland off the top of the podium in the past eight years.

Last season, following a difficult start where she crashed in training in the P ­ hilippines, Carlson suffered a ­f rightening slip from the platform in ­P olignano a Mare, which in turn ended her chances of pushing once again for the King Kahekili Trophy. Instead of l­etting the situation break her, it reshaped her perspective and enabled her to see that her impact on the sport is about more than podium and trophies, it’s showing people that bravery looks different for everyone.

Watch The Fear to Freefall, a 26-minute highlights show from the 2025 s­ eason opener in the Philippines, in which Carlson lays her thoughts bare on fear, her mental health and overcoming challenges.

IF I COULD TELL YOU JUST ONE THING... BEING YOURSELF IS BRAVE AND BEAUTIFUL. Named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 sports list in 2026, Carlson is proof that you can chase medals and meaning at the same time, and she’ll be doing both once again this year.

NELLI CHUKANIVSKA

Career Highlights

Representing Ukraine

2025 3rd place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in El Nido

Date of birth March 28, 2007

2024 Becomes the youngest ­permanent World Series athlete ever

City of residence Zadar, CRO

3rd place– Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Sydney 2022 Winner Junior World Championships Montreal, 12 m

Profession Student Secret passion Scuba diving and traveling Started cliff diving in 2022 Favourite spot Marmeeting, Italy Favourite dive 625B 1st World Series ­appearance 2024

Rankings 2025

6

2024

11 *

Wildcard *

Height 1.75 m

Best result in a competition 3rd place

36

The youngest-ever athlete to earn a permanent ticket on the tour, Nelli Chukanivska is the only teenager in the permanent line up for 2026.

Four top ten finishes in four stops during her debut season in 2024 – including a fifth place in Montreal and a stunning third spot at the season finale in Sydney – surprised the cliff diving world and guaranteed the youngster a spot at every stop last year.

WHAT DOES TRUE LUXURY MEAN TO YOU? BE WITH YOUR PARENTS. A condensed calendar in 2025 meant that the 19-year-old ended up ­competing in the same number of events as the ­previous season, and incredibly the

Ukrainian went on to produce the exact same results – third, fifth, eighth and ninth place finishes, with her second career podium coming at the season opener in the Philippines.

However, with only four stops available for her rivals this time too, those same positions proved more profitable, elevating Chukanivska from 11th overall in her first season up to sixth place last year.

A graduate of the Orlando Duque’s Under my Wiiings programme in 2023, this talented youngster dreams of one day becoming a champion. Many experts, including the Colombian legend himself, believe her tender age is the reason she is still struggling for consistency, but the quality and potential is clearly there for all to see.

Career Highlights

Date of birth May 2, 1988

2025 3rd place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Polignano a Mare

Height 1.62 m City of residence Delray Beach, Florida Profession Performer Started cliff diving in 2017 Favourite dive Armstand 1st World Series ­appearance 2025

Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series debut in Polignano a Mare

Rankings 2025

LISA FAULKNER

Representing USA

5*

Wildcard *

Best result in a competition 3rd place

37

A remarkable podium finish on her Red Bull Cliff Diving World ­Series ­debut last season helped Lisa Faulkner to earn a permanent invite after just three competitions.

A strong, powerful diver; the Delray Beach resident originally came from a gymnastic background – like many cliff divers have done – before making the switch of disciplines at the age of 17.

Rising above an array of more experienced and younger rivals at her first-ever stop in Polignano a Mare, 37-year-old Faulkner landed in third place as she announced herself in spectacular style. Then, proving it was no stroke of luck, she followed it up with a fourth and fifth place finish to end the season in fifth overall and secure automatic qualification to every stop in 2026.

“My first memory of diving was trying to learn 105B on the 3 m springboard. I had just transitioned from gymnastics and the idea of landing on my head was so foreign. I think I took three good back smacks before moving onto something else,” admits Faulkner.

IF I COULD TELL YOU JUST ONE THING... I’M TERRIFIED OF SWIMMING IN THE OCEAN.

Describing herself as independent, motivated and impatient, Faulkner will now get to flex her skills at each and every stop, including what will be a highly anticipated home state stop in the ‘Sunshine City’, St. Petersburg.

RHIANNAN IFFLAND

Career Highlights

Representing Australia

Only female cliff diver to score a perfect dive

Date of birth September 9, 1991

2025 Winner of all four Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series stops

City of residence Sydney Profession Athlete Secret passion Scuba diving and traveling

Rankings 2025

1

2024

1

2023

1

2022

1

2021

1

2020

1

2019

1

2018

1

2017

1

2016

1*

Wildcard *

Height 1.67 m

Started cliff diving in 2015 Favourite spot Northern Ireland Favourite dive Front triple half twist pike 1st World Series ­appearance 2016 Best result in a competition 1st place

38

Nine-time Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series champion Rhiannan Iffland is aiming to make it a decade of ­dominance when she returns to the 21 m platform in 2026.

The perfect 10 is often spoken about in the world of cliff diving – a rare moment when an athlete scores top marks from all five judges. But for the 34-year-old Australian, that phrase takes on an ­altogether ­different m ­ eaning this year as she goes in p ­ ursuit of something never seen before and never likely to be seen again: a 10th title in ten seasons since her debut in 2016 – the ultimate perfect 10.

Since exploding onto the scene all those years ago with a debut victory in Texas, ‘Invincible Iffland’ simply hasn’t looked back. With 45 victories in 55 stops, 53

podiums, three unbeaten seasons and numerous other streaks and high-­ scoring achievements, she’s been simply untouchable.

IF I COULD TELL YOU JUST ONE THING … THERE’S NO DRESS REHEARSALS. The secret to her never-ending success?

“Dedication, consistency and resilience.

Not stepping down from a challenge but more so stepping up to a challenge,” she explained during an interview in Mostar last year.

Watch more of the interview and see how Iffland sealed her ninth title at Stari Most in These Two are the Best Cliff Divers in the World.

Career Highlights

Date of birth April 22, 2003

2025 2nd place overall – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series

Height 1.57 m City of residence Montreal Profession Athlete Secret passion Cooking/baking Started cliff diving in 2022 Favourite spot Antalya, Turkey Favourite dive 5461B

2nd place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Polignano a Mare 2024 2nd place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Sydney

SIMONE LEATHEAD

Representing Canada

2nd place – World Aquatics World Cup Bahrain

1st World Series ­appearance 2023

Rankings 2025

2

Best result in a competition 2nd place

2024

3

2023

10 *

Wildcard *

39

As part of a growing pool of cliff d ­ iving talent in Canada, Simone Leathead is well positioned to quickly take things to the next level in this sport. Not only is she part of probably the strongest high diving nation, with a close-knit training environment led by dedicated coach Stephane Lapointe, her rapid progression over the past two seasons suggests she doesn’t have too much more to find in order to challenge the dominant Iffland.

WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT ASSET IN CLIFF DIVING? BEING ABLE TO TRUST YOURSELF. Perhaps her greatest obstacle to glory currently comes in the form of off the cliff competitions, having previously struggled to get to grips with locations

like the Philippines, Northern Ireland and Takachiho in Japan.

After participating in Red Bull Under My Wiiings with Orlando Duque, the ­youngster became the first talent from the next generation camp to earn a spot on the tour, and her selection was vindicated when she posted a sixth-place finish on her debut in Paris.

The 1.57 m athlete, who describes herself as ‘small but mighty’, will need to grow her confidence and technique from the more natural take-off spots, especially with the 2026 calendar being ­bookended by two off-the-cliff competitions. If she can conquer these, she could just ­conquer the cliff diving world.

XANTHEIA PENNISI

Career Highlights

Representing Australia

2025 2nd place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Mostar

Date of birth November 26, 1998

2023 3rd place overall – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series

City of residence Brisbane

2022 2nd place - Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Copenhagen

Secret passion Fashion and makeup

Height 1.64 m

Profession Show diver, diving coach

Started cliff diving in 2017 Favourite spot El Nido, Philippines

Rankings 2025

4*

2024

8

2023

3

2022

4

2021

4*

2019

10 *

2018

10 *

Favourite dive Inward Triple Half Pike 1st World Series ­appearance 2018 Best result in a competition 2nd place

Wildcard *

40

Delivering on her goal for the 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, Xantheia Pennisi reclaimed her place in the permanent line up for 2026.

Plagued by mental struggles in 2024, the previously progressive Australian had finished that season without a podium for the first time in four years, resulting in her demotion to wildcard status. But, despite a slow start in the P ­ hilippines last year, it was back to ­business for the 27-yearold A ­ ustralian, as she ­rediscovered that successful formula to secure a runner-up spot in ­Mostar, the scene of her debut back in 2018.

WHAT SCARES A CLIFF DIVER? THE HEIGHT IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE SCARY FOR ME.

That huge result, coupled with a ­fourthplace finish at the season final in B ­ oston, saw Pennisi take fourth spot in the overall standings and with it a w ­ elcome return to full-time duties this year.

Apart from her struggles two years ago, permanent status should be a given for an athlete of her quality. It’s a ­position she has full faith she should be in, ever since her World Series debut as a 19-year-old.

Having quickly and comfortably ­reclaimed her permanent place on the tour, Pennisi has hinted at realising even greater dreams in 2026.

Career Highlights

Date of birth March 5, 1985

2024 2nd place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Causeway Coast

Height 1.65 m City of residence Fort Lauderdale, FL Profession High diver, performer on RCCL Harmony of the Seas

2021 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series debut in Saint-Raphaël

Secret passion anything creative: ­crafting, painting, ­pottery, sewing.

Rankings

Started cliff diving in 2016 Favourite spot Takachiho, Japan

2025

9

2024

6*

2023

18 *

2021

16 *

GINNI VAN KATWIJK

Representing Netherlands

Wildcard *

Favourite dive 6153B 1st World Series ­appearance 2021 Best result in a competition 2nd place

41 After making the step up to ­p ermanent status for the 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, Ginni van Katwijk just managed to hold onto to her ticket with three top seven finishes in four stops last year.

Describing herself as quirky, creative and a multitasker, van Katwijk also owns a small business – To Die For Shammies – and admits she’d one day love to open up a ‘cute coffee shop’ with live music, beer and sangria on offer.

Having outshone many of her y­ ounger rivals in 2024, scoring a first top six finish before grabbing a stunning runner-up spot in Northern Ireland, the 41-year-old became the most senior athlete to earn a first permanent invite.

For now though, she’s continuing to prove age is just a number as she ­resumes her cliff diving adventures across the world, taking her +100k ­Instagram followers along for the ride.

Perhaps it was the pressure of finally making it into the elite line up, but the Dutch diver was unable to repeat those efforts last year, although with two seventh places and one sixth she did perform steadily enough to maintain her status for the 2026 season.

WHAT PROFESSION WOULD YOU WANT TO TRY OUT ONCE IN YOUR LIFE? BEING A ZOOKEEPER FOR A DAY! IT WOULD BE GREAT TO HANG OUT WITH THE BABY ANIMALS.

WILD CARDS

France December 4,1997

MAYA KELLY USA November 7, 2006

IRIS SCHMIDBAUER

MARIA PAULA QUINTERO

ISABEL PEREZ Colombia June 23, 2000

MORGANE HERCULANO

MAIKE HALBISCH Switzerland March 3, 2000

PAULA GILABERT

Spain May 5, 1998

Italy July 24, 2002

Germany August 3, 2005

Colombia February 13, 1998

Denmark September 20, 1991

ELISA COSETTI

MEILI CARPENTER

USA December 8, 1987

ANNIKA BORNEBUSCH

The allocation of wildcard appearances to these ­athletes is contingent upon their respective World Ranking positions.

MADELEINE BAYON

With six stops and four wildcards each, the race is on to see who will make a bid for a spot on the women's permanent ­line-up for 2027.

Germany April 11, 1995

It's not just about the athletes performing the perfect dive – with a strong take-off, perfect form in the air, and no splash on entry – it's also about the photographers pushing the shutter at the perfect moment. While it may look easy to capture the grace of a 21-metre dive, it requires considerable experience to anticipate the diver’s next move and frame the shot where everything is in balance.

Sisikon, Switzerland, hosted the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2009 and 2010, and again in 2018 and 2022. On the latter two occasions, two platforms were mounted above Lake Lucerne, one for the men and one for the women. Each time, the majority of the tiny village's 350 or so residents were directly involved in the event, warmly welcoming the exotic

athletes known as cliff divers. Against the backdrop of the dramatic alpine landscape, the divers performed their spectacular dives, adding an otherworldly touch to the mountains and meadows – like Nikita Fedotov, pictured above.

PERMANENT DIVERS MEN 2026 DAVID COLTURI CARLOS GIMENO GARY HUNT JAMES LICHTENSTEIN JONATHAN PAREDES CONSTANTIN POPOVICI CATALIN PREDA OLEKSIY PRYGOROV

Eight world-class divers from six nations – joined by four wildcards at each stop – will test the limits of the sport as they ­c ompete across six ­c ompetitions in 2026 for the prestigious King Kahekili Trophy.

USA ESP FRA USA MEX ROU ROU UKR

PERMANENT DIVERS MEN

DAVID COLTURI

Career Highlights

Representing United States

2025 3rd place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Boston

Date of birth April 30, 1989 Height 1.73 m City of residence San Clemente, California

Rankings 2025

10 *

2024

11 *

2023

10 *

2022

13 *

2021

6

2019

6

2018

9°

2017

6

2016

9°

2015

5

2014

5

2013

6

2012

5

2011

22 *

Wildcard * DNF the season due to injury °

Profession Cliff diver Secret passion Learning new languages and instruments Started cliff diving in 2011 Favourite spot Krabi, Thailand Favourite dive Reverse double with five twists 1st World Series ­appearance 2011 Best result in a competition 1st place

48

At the age of 37, David Colturi is proving he still has what it takes to compete with Red Bull Cliff Diving’s young guns and powerhouses.

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.

“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 ­r uptured spleen in the lead up to the Sisikon competition in 2018.

WHY CLIFF DIVING AND NOT ­BALLET? I LIKE THE THEATRE, BUT OUR VENUES ARE BETTER. 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

Date of birth October 24, 1989

2025 1st place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Polignano a Mare

Height 1.70 m City of residence Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Profession Graduate in social work university / Performer in acrobatic shows

2nd place – World Aquatics Championships in Singapore

Secret passion Scuba diving

2023 1st place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Mostar

Started cliff diving in 2014

Rankings

Favourite spot The Canary Island

2025

3

2024

4

Favourite dive Handstand dives

2023

3*

2022

10 *

2021

7*

2018

18 *

1st World Series ­appearance 2018 Best result in a competition 1st place

CARLOS GIMENO

Representing Spain

Wildcard *

49

The first Spaniard to achieve permanent status in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, Carlos Gimeno has now cemented his place among the elite and is one of the title contenders in 2026.

Last year, during a condensed four-stop season, the 36-year-old pushed two of the sport’s heavyweights all the way to the final dive in the fight for the King Kahekili Trophy, eventually finishing in third place overall behind champion Gary Hunt and Constantin Popovici.

Along the way, he secured a memorable victory in Polignano a Mare as well as two podium finishes at the World Aquatics High D ­ iving World Championships and World Cup. The proud holder of two World Series firsts – an armstand dive directly off the

cliffs and a perfect armstand dive, both executed at Downpatrick Head in Ireland in 2021 – Gimeno’s career has gone from strength to strength in recent years.

Describing his ethos as ‘work, c­ onsistency and discipline’, Gimeno will put those values at the front of his mind when he attempts to take the next step this year.

Having finally tasted the thrill of a title fight last season, his goal in 2026 will ­certainly be to lay his hands on the ­coveted King Kahekili Trophy for the first time.

WHAT SCARES A CLIFF DIVER? FIRST ATTEMPT AT A NEW HIGH DIVE, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS NO ONE IN THE WORLD WHO HAS DONE IT BEFORE….

GARY HUNT

Career Highlights

Representing France

2025 11th Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series title

Date of birth June 11, 1984

City of residence Paris

Rankings 2025

1*

2024

14 *

2023

6

2022

1

2021

1

2019

1

2018

1

2017

2

2016

1

2015

5

2014

1

2013

2

2012

1

2010

1

2009

2

Wildcard *

Height 1.75 m

Profession Cliff diver Secret passion I dream of performing on stage as a clown Started cliff diving in 2006 Favourite spot Yucatan, Mexico Favourite dive Back 1 ½ somersault piked from 10m 1st World Series ­appearance 2009 Best result in a competition 1st place

50

With 11 overall titles, 47 victories, and 80 podiums in 104 competitions, Gary Hunt remains the undisputed GOAT of the Red Bull World Cliff Diving Series.

swimming trunks, the ‘Flying Frenchman’ unlocked a new level, returning to the 27 m platform to become the first male wildcard champion in history.

After racking up astounding numbers and accolades during a glittering cliff diving career, it seemed that the 41-year-old had completed every level of the game when he surrendered his permanent World Series spot to live the Olympic dream in his adopted home city of Paris in 2024.

Victory at the season opener in the Philippines – his first since 2022 – was ­followed by two more podiums and, despite finishing eighth at the Boston finale, it was enough to hold off the ­challenge of Constantin Popovici.

WHO WOULD YOU WANT TO MEET ONCE IN YOUR LIFE? AN ASTRONAUT, I THINK SEEING THE WORLD FROM AFAR REALLY CHANGES YOUR PERSPECTIVE. But, just when most other mere mortals would have considered hanging up their

“I’m a born competitor, I love competition.

It just makes everything exciting for me,” said Hunt in Mostar last season; a stop where he also casually learned a new back armstand dive, trained with it once, before nailing it for 9s in competition.

Find out what makes a champion tick in These Two are the Best Cliff Divers in the World.

Career Highlights

Date of birth October 26, 1994

2025 1st place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Boston

Height 1.75 m City of residence Fort Lauderdale, FL Profession Math tutor, trampoline coach, diving coach

Winner World Aquatics Championships in Singapore

Secret passion Looking up flights and planning trips

2024 1st place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Oslo

Started cliff diving in 2015

Rankings

Favourite spot ­Polignano a Mare

2025

4

2024

3

Favourite dive 629C

2023

8

2022

11 *

1st World Series ­appearance 2022

JAMES LICHTENSTEIN

Representing USA

Wildcard *

Best result in a competition 1st place

51

The 31-year-old American, who ­debuted in Mostar in 2022, had enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, when three podiums and a ‘dream come true’ victory in Oslo propelled him into a three-way title fight and a third-place finish overall.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 10-YEAR-OLD SELF? IF A SPORT OR A JOB DOESN’T MAKE YOU HAPPY, DON’T BE AFRAID TO SWITCH TO ONE THAT DOES. With expectations high going into 2025, Lichtenstein’s aspirations of glory took a heavy hit in the Philippines, where a third-round uppercut from the lagoon ended what had previously been a pristine record of water entries and forced his withdrawal from competition.

Perhaps still rattled by the memories, the former trampolinist could only muster a seventh-place finish at the second stop in Italy, a result which ended any lingering hopes of another title fight.

Gathering himself during the World Series’ mid-season break, Lichtenstein rediscovered his cutting edge in s­ tunning style, reeling in two gold medals at the World Aquatics High Diving World ­Championships and World Cup in the space of five weeks, before returning to the Series with a runner-up spot in ­Mostar. In Boston, he rounded out the season with a thrilling victory, becoming the first American male ever to win on home soil: “We’ve had so many male American divers, so to be the first one to win on home soil is an i­ncredible feeling.”

JONATHAN PAREDES

Career Highlights

Representing Mexico

2025 2nd place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in El Nido

Date of birth August 14, 1989

City of residence Mexico City

Rankings 2025

5*

2024

7

2023

9*

2022

8

2019

2

2018

3

2017

1

2016

2

2015

3

2014

6

2013

4

2012

13 *

2011

11 *

Wildcard *

Height 1.65 m

Profession Cliff diver Secret passion ­American football Started cliff diving in 2006 Favourite spot Azores; Chichen Itza (Mexico) Favourite dive Double front and one and a half twist 1st World Series ­appearance 2011 Best result in a competition 1st place

52

Just when the former Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series champion was preparing to bid farewell to the sport, a revitalised Jonathan Paredes rolled back the years in 2025 to win back his permanent place.

Having twice relinquished his spot in the men’s line up in recent years, the 36-year-old Mexican had been planning to use last season’s wildcard ­appearances as a swansong to his successful career.

A surprise runner-up finish at the season opener in the Philippines – his best p ­ lacing since 2019 – was quickly followed by another podium in Polignano a Mare. Those results laid the ­foundations for an overall fifth-place finish and requalification, forcing the rejuvenated ‘Stylemaster’ to reassess his plans.

Paredes, who with 80 starts under his

belt sits second only to Gary Hunt in the list of most experienced cliff divers, has clearly discovered a renewed vigour for the sport which has given him so many highs and lows over the years. “I’ll be in the best shape of my life,” he says, declaring that he’s fully committed to the new season.

Paredes opens up on his highs, lows and fears in Cliff Divers Questioning their Whole Career?

COULD YOU DO MENTAL MATH DURING A DIVE? SOMEHOW, IT'S WHAT WE DO, WE COUNT THE TWISTS AND SOMERSAULTS WE ARE GOING TO DO IN THE AIR, AND WE VISUALISE EVERYTHING BEFORE OUR DIVE.

Career Highlights

Date of birth October 2, 1988

2025 1st place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Mostar

Height 1.72 m City of residence Bucharest Profession Artist/athlete Secret passion Cooking Started cliff diving in 2018

2023 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Champion Winner World Aquatics Championships Fukuoka

Favourite spot Sisikon, Switzerland

Rankings 2025

2

Favourite dive Reverse double with double twist

2024

2

2023

1

1st World Series ­appearance 2018

2022

5

2021

2

2019

4

2018

11 *

Best result in a competition 1st place

CONSTANTIN POPOVICI

Representing Romania

Wildcard *

53

Ultra-fit and irrepressible, 2023 ­champion Constantin Popovici has been one of the sport’s most successful ­athletes since his debut in 2018.

In that title winning season, three ­victories and two podiums propelled the Romanian to glory ahead of the then-­ rising star Aidan Heslop, having previously been runner-up to Gary Hunt in 2021. In 2024, the 37-year-old narrowly missed out on his second title in a row as Heslop turned the tables in a red-hot battle between the two.

Last season, the door was left seemingly open for Popovici when his British rival was forced to pull out. Third place at the season opener in the Philippines and a 10th World Series victory in Mostar might have been enough in the short four-stop

season. But, an unfortunate leg strain before the season finale, coupled with the brilliance of a returning old foe – Gary Hunt – meant it was the Frenchman who ultimately reclaimed the crown.

Costa talks fitness, injuries and ­never giving up in Will they Crack Under ­P ressure? A World Series win and a ­p odium last season, along with two podiums at the World Aquatics World Championships and World Cup, are proof that this ‘Romanian shark’ is still circling at the very top of the sport, despite ­turning 38 later this year.

WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT ASSET IN CLIFF DIVING? RESPECT THE PLATFORM; ALWAYS HAVE A LITTLE FEAR FOR EVERY DIVE YOU DO.

CATALIN PREDA

Career Highlights

Representing Romania

2025 2nd place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Boston

Date of birth June 29, 1991

2023 2nd place – World Aquatics Championships Fukuoka

City of residence Bucharest Profession Pro-athlete Secret passion ­Percussion

Rankings 2025

7*

2024

13

2023

4

2022

3

2021

3*

2019

8*

2018

12 *

Wildcard *

Height 1.72 m

Started cliff diving in 2013 Favourite spot Mostar & Paris Favourite dive Flying Inward 1st World Series ­appearance 2018 Best result in a competition 1st place

54 After injury cut short his season in 2024, Catalin Preda battled back ­impressively last year to reclaim his spot in the permanent line up for 2026.

late and then lights went out. Next thing I remember was waking up in the ­ambulance,” recalled Preda ahead of his return last season.

One of the sport’s top contenders since his arrival in 2018, Preda had been in and around the title fights between 2021 and 2023, but a sickening crash during the Boston stop in 2024 landed him in hospital for 2½ weeks and ruled him out of action for the remainder of the year.

Watch Preda discussing his injury and recovery in The Fear of Freefall.

HOW HIGH DOES A CLIFF HAVE TO BE FOR YOU TO SAY NO? HMM, COULD I SEE IT FIRST AND THEN MAKE MY MIND UP? “I remember everything from the moment before the dive, into the dive, through the air, seeing the water very

His first three wildcard performances of 2025 were, understandably, tentative, but the 34-year-old chose the perfect time and place to remove the shackles.

Returning to Boston for the season ­finale, it proved to be a full circle moment as the Romanian stepped up and repeated the fateful dive from that distressing day – with a whopping 6.0 DD – to score an emotional runner-up spot; a result which helped propel him back into the permanent line up.

Career Highlights

Date of birth June 25, 1987

2024 1st place – Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Sydney

Height 1.81 m City of residence Trieste Profession Professional diver Secret passion ­Professional hip-hop dancing

2008 3rd place – ­Olympic Games Beijing, 3 m springboard synchro

Rankings

Started cliff diving in 2016

2025

6

2024

5

Favourite spot ­Causeway Coast, ­Northern Ireland

2023

5

2022

7

2021

11 *

Favourite dive 5185B

2019

7

2018

17 *

2017

19 *

1st World Series ­appearance 2017

OLEKSIY PRYGOROV

Representing Ukraine

Wildcard *

Best result in a competition 1st place

55 As the only athlete in history to claim both a Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series victory and an Olympic diving medal, Oleksiy Prygorov has proved himself to be one of the most versatile divers ever.

The two-time Olympian – who won bronze in the 3 m spring synchro in ­Beijing – has slowly but surely ­completed the transition, bringing his own unique. blended brand of diving up onto the 27 m platform and flourishing into one of the most consistent cliff divers in the World Series.

At the age of 37, the Ukrainian celebrated his first World Series victory at the 2024 season finale in Sydney.

The journey from 3 m to the nine-time higher cliff diving platform has been a

long one for the Trieste-based athlete, but he attributes his successful transition to the help of two legends of the sport – Constantin Popovici and Gary Hunt: “Costa is one of the strongest athletes. I did one of the hardest dives in the world back in Dublin in 10 degrees and I was able to do it because I felt his mood. And Gary, when I’m walking to the platform I’m ­following his strategy, what he’s doing.”

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS: DETERMINED, FRIENDLY, OPEN TO NEW IDEAS! Prygorov, who also boasts medals from the World Cup and European ­Championships, clearly has all the ­ingredients necessary to go toe to toe with world’s best cliff divers.

WILD CARDS ANDREA BARNABA

With six stops and four ­wildcards each, the race is on to see who will make a bid for a spot on the men's permanent line-up for 2027.

The allocation of wildcard appearances to these ­athletes is contingent upon their respective World Ranking p ­ ositions.

Italy June 4, 2004

Colombia March 20, 1991

Mexico February 26, 1991

Mexico January 3, 2003

BRADEN RUMPIT

YOLOTL MARTINEZ

AIDAN HESLOP

Great Britain April 18, 2002

SERGIO GUZMAN

MIGUEL GARCIA

NIKITA FEDOTOV

Armenia May 27, 1995

New Zealand December 1, 2000

James Lichtenstein looks like a tiny toy figure as he soars from the cliffs of Kinbane Castle on Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast. The 5:30 am wake-up call was well worth it for the dramatic scenery and calm waters of the early morning.

For the spectators scattered across the crystal-clear water, the approach to the Small ­Lagoon on Miniloc Island is unique: only a small opening in the limestone rocks provides

access to watch the 24 divers leap directly from the rocks. In this image, Xantheia ­Pennisi takes centre stage during the 2025 season opener in El Nido, Philippines.

PURE, CLASSIC, BRAND-NEW LOCATIONS BALI ST. PETERSBURG COPENHAGEN MOSTAR POLIGNANO A MARE MUSCAT

The spirit of exploration p ­ ermeates the entire 2026 season, which sees the calendar expand into new territory with three brand-new stops. Indonesia will be hosting the sport for the first time.

INA USA DEN BIH ITA OMA

ICONIC PLACES AROUND THE WORLD

STOP 1 MAY 20-23

BALI 62

Kroya Waterfall

Nusa Penida, Kelingking Beach

Coordinates -8.173, 115.106417

Coordinates -8.7519167, 115.4731111

Platform heights 20-21 m

Platform heights 21 m | 27 m

Water depth 5m

Water depth 5m

Water ­temperature in May 28 °C

Water ­temperature in May 28 °C

Air ­temperature in May 30 °C

Air ­temperature in May 30 °C

Water Natural ­fresh­water pool

Water Badung Strait, Indian Ocean, seawater

KROYA WATERFALL & NUSA PENIDA Bali | INDONESIA

where sheer rock faces frame deep turquoise water and white sand.

The World Series opens its 17th ­season at a brand-new location in Bali, hosting the first stop of the year. Set across two distinct natural venues, the opener blends dramatic landscapes with cultural depth. The race for the King Kahekili Trophy begins at Kroya ­Waterfall before moving south to the cliffs of Nusa Penida.

"The island of priests" is home to sacred sites, including temples on cliff tops and caves. Ritual offerings to the ocean are central, showing respect for its shaping of life on the island.

In far northern Bali, the canyon hosting the season’s first competitive dives this May provides a unique natural arena. Surrounded by lush hills and rice fields, the area features waterfalls and natural waterslides with drops of up to 35 m. At Kroya Waterfall, the athletes launch from a tree – a World Series first – landing in a natural pool deep enough to absorb dives reaching speeds of up to 85 km/h.

The final rounds take place at Kelingking Beach, on Nusa Penida, an island southeast of mainland Bali,

With two contrasting venues and a blend of nature, culture, and elite sport, Bali’s season opener sets the tone for 2026.

THE FORMATION IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS T-REX AS IT LOOKS LIKE ONE FROM THE VIEWPOINT ON TOP. Kelingking Beach

STOP 2 JUNE 05-06

Platform heights 21 m | 27 m Water depth 5m Water ­temperature in June 28 °C Air ­temperature in June 30 °C

ST. PETERSBURG

Coordinates 27.7707°, –82.6198°

Water Gulf of Mexico, seawater

63

ST. PETE PIER St. Petersburg, Florida | USA The Gulf Coast city of St. Petersburg, Florida marks the second new location on the calendar. Set at the iconic St. Pete Pier overlooking the North Yacht Basin and Tampa Bay, athletes will make history as they dive into clear waters in front of thousands of spectators.

Known as St. Pete, the city is defined by year-round sunshine, a vibrant arts scene, and a distinctive waterfront.

The reimagined St. Pete Pier, opened in 2020 as the city’s crown jewel, extends into Tampa Bay and offers sweeping views over the basin. This milestone event brings world-class cliff diving to America’s Gulf Coast for the first time.

Warm waters, a reliable climate, modern pier infrastructure, and a downtown setting create ­i deal ­c onditions and a lively, ­festival ­atmosphere. The pier’s elevated position forms a natural amphitheatre,

with spectators watching from public spaces, waterfront parks, or boats in the bay. Nearby dining, craft breweries, and creative districts enhance the destination appeal.

Beyond competition, the city offers rich culture, including the Salvador Dalí Museum and proximity to Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach. Averaging 361 days of sunshine, St. Petersburg lives up to its Sunshine City name and its place on the World Series circuit.

ST. PETERSBURG HOLDS THE WORLD RECORD FOR MOST CONSECUTIVE DAYS OF SUNSHINE: 768 DAYS FROM 1967-1969.

STOP 3 JUNE 27

COPENHAGEN

Coordinates 55.68194, 12.60055 Platform heights 21 m | 27 m Water depth 5.5 m to 7 m Water ­temperature in June 16 °C Air ­temperature in June 15 °C Water Øresund, ­seawater

64

OPERA HOUSE Copenhagen | DENMARK With platforms mounted on the ­dramatic, cantilevered roof of ­Copenhagen Opera House on H ­ olmen, this is one of the most striking World Series venues. On the waterfront ­facing Amalienborg Palace, the ­Opera is aligned so that from its main entrance the copper-green dome of the Marble Church is visible across the water through the royal ­residence.

Beyond its architecture, the venue has a unique place in World Series history.

After hosting multiple men’s c­ ompetitions, with reigning champion Gary Hunt claiming three wins, Copenhagen marked a ­milestone when women first competed here in 2022 from a height more than twice that of the Olympics, an event won by ­Australia’s Rhiannan Iffland.

Prominently positioned in Copen­hagen’s harbour, the Opera House fuses culture, engineering, and monumental scale.

Attention to acoustics and i­nterior design makes it one of the world’s most technically advanced opera houses. ­Construction ran from June 2001 to ­October 2004, with the official opening on 15 January 2005 in the presence of Queen Margrethe II and the Prime Minister.

Inside, 1,703 seats are angled for ­ ptimal stage views. In June 2026, o spectators will gather along the ­h arbour and beneath the sweeping roofline to witness the striking contrast of classical opera and urban cliff diving.

WITH CONSTRUCTION COSTS OVER 500 MILLION US DOLLARS, THE BUILDING IS ONE OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE OPERA HOUSES EVER BUILT.

Previous winners 2022 Rhiannan Iffland | Constantin Popovici 2018 Gary Hunt 2016 Gary Hunt 2015 Gary Hunt 2013 Artem Silchenko

STOP 4 JULY 31 – AUGUST 01

Platform heights 21 m | 27 m

MOSTAR

Coordinates 43.33730, 17.81496

Water depth 5 m to 5.5 m Water ­ temperature in August 13 °C Air ­temperature in August 28 °C Water Neretva River, ­freshwater

65

STARI MOST Mostar | BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA The deep bond between the World Series and the historic city of Mostar is reignited as the world’s best divers return to the Stari Most bridge for the tenth time. Since making its debut on the calendar in 2015 – with just one intentional break – this iconic location has been the stage for countless ­moments of cliff diving brilliance.

With the move to a prime summer slot, Mostar will be at its most vibrant, with high temperatures, long days and packed riverbanks creating an intense atmosphere as thousands of spectators gather around the Neretva River and fill the old town.

The tradition of diving from the humpback bridge dates back to the 17th century, when young men would leap from this national monument as a rite of passage.

Today, modern cliff diving is equally revered, as evidenced by the ­addition of a permanent training ­p latform in 2022.

A symbol of Mostar’s heritage, Stari Most – immortalised on the city’s flag and coat of arms – continues to share its legacy with the World Series. At the height of summer, the fusion of history, atmosphere, and elite performance makes this one of the most distinctive stops on the global calendar for the 10th time.

THE BRIDGE WAS DESTROYED DURING THE BOSNIAN WAR AND REBUILT USING THE ORIGINAL STONE BLOCKS FROM THE RIVER BELOW.

Previous winners 2025 Rhiannan Iffland | Constantin Popovici 2023 Molly Carlson | Carlos Gimeno 2022 Rhiannan Iffland | Constantin Popovici 2021 Rhiannan Iffland | Gary Hunt 2019 Rhiannan Iffland | Constantin Popovici 2018 Adriana Jimenez | Gary Hunt 2017 Cesilie Carlton | Gary Hunt 2016 Lysanne Richard | Michal Navratil 2015 Jonathan Paredes

STOP 5 SEPTEMBER 25-27

POLIGNANO A MARE

Coordinates 40.99720, 17.21860 Platform heights 27 m | 21 m Water depth +5m Water ­temperature in Sept 22 °C Air ­temperature in Sept 22 °C Water Adriatic Sea, seawater

66

BASTIONE DI SANTO STEFANO Polignano a Mare | ITALY For a record-extending 13th year, ­Polignano a Mare hosts the penultimate stop. Perched above the Adriatic, the town becomes a decisive battleground where title ambitions sharpen and mistakes carry weight.

This venue can define seasons, r­ ewarding composure and punishing hesitation, often reshaping the title race ahead of the finale. Athletes launch from take-off points mounted on private homes in the limestone cliffs, creating a unique connection between sport and setting synonymous with the World Series.

In the women’s competition, ­ ustralia’s Rhiannan Iffland has A ­e stablished Polignano a Mare as a ­cornerstone of her dominance. In the men’s, after Gary Hunt’s victories, Aidan Heslop won here in 2023, and C ­ onstantin ­Popovici produced one of the most ­resilient performances by winning in 2024 just weeks after knee fractures.

The natural amphitheatre amplifies every moment. From cliffs, balconies, the beach, and the historic arch bridge, thousands watch, while narrow streets bring fans close as athletes pass en route to the platforms. Every dive unfolds beneath the gaze of Domenico Modugno, the voice behind “Volare,” echoing cliff diving’s brief, breathtaking flights.

For more about Puglia’s incredible offerings, visit www.weareinpuglia.it

ALL TAKE-OFF SPOTS ARE LOCATED WITHIN PRIVATE RESIDENCES. Previous winners 2025 Rhiannan Iffland | Carlos Gimeno 2024 Rhiannan Iffland | Constantin Popovici 2023 Rhiannan Iffland | Aidan Heslop 2022 Rhiannan Iffland | Gary Hunt 2021 Rhiannan Iffland | Gary Hunt 2021 Rhiannan Iffland | Gary Hunt 2019 Rhiannan Iffland | Gary Hunt 2018 Rhiannan Iffland | Gary Hunt 2017 Rhiannan Iffland | Alessandro De Rose 2016 Lysanne Richard | Artem Silchenko 2015 Rachelle Simpson | Gary Hunt 2010 Artem Silchenko 2009 Orlando Duque

Muscat’s ­historic ­harbour

Coordinates 23.1660, 58.6400

Coordinates 23.6167, 58.5636

Platform heights 21 m | 25 m

Platform heights 21 m | 27 m

Water depth +8 m

Water depth +5.5 m

Water ­temperature in Nov 20 °C

Water ­temperature in Nov 25 °C

Air ­temperature in Nov 25 °C

Air ­ temperature in Nov 27 °C

Water Wadi pools, freshwater

Water Arabian Sea, seawater

STOP 6 NOVEMBER 12-14

MUSCAT*

Natural limestone canyon take-off

67

WADI HAWER & MUTRAH Muscat | OMAN After more than a decade away, the tour returns to Oman for a two-act finale, closing the 2026 season. The event captures the country’s striking contrasts, from raw canyon landscapes to a living coastal city. The Sultanate will also host a w ­ omen’s competition for the first time, m ­ arking a regional milestone.

Opening rounds take place deep inside the limestone canyon of Wadi Hawer, shaped by time, water, and gravity. Cliff diving here returns to its purest form: natural rock take-offs, vertical walls, and crystal-clear pools below. With no constructed platforms or distractions, the athletes launch from stone into silence, surrounded by one of Oman’s most ­untouched arenas.

The competition intensifies at M ­ uscat’s historic waterfront. Framed by the ­harbour, rugged mountains, and centuries-­ old trade routes, a purpose-built ­platform

rises above the sea, blending elite ­performance with city life. Spectators gather along the corniche and old souq, where heritage, daily life, and world-class sport converge.

Beyond competition, Oman offers year-round outdoor activities, including canyoning, climbing, sailing, diving, and surfing. From Wadi Hawer to Mutrah, the final dives will decide the 2026 World Series champions across two distinctly Omani settings.

DIVERS HAVE TO SCRAMBLE THROUGH THE WADI FOR AN HOUR TO REACH A BLUE POOL DEEP WITHIN THE CANYON. *Final confirmation subject to ongoing developments in the region.

When the World Series arrived in La Rochelle on the French Atlantic coast for its ­inaugural event in May 2009, no one knew what to expect. It didn’t take the 13 men atop the 27.5-metre platform long to ignite excitement among the 30,000 spectators who braved

the occasion. To this day, the Tower of Saint Nicolas remains the venue that attracted the largest number of spectators to a single event in the series' history. A total of 75,000 people came to watch in 2015.

CLIFF DIVING AROUND THE WORLD

CLIFF DIVING AROUND THE WORLD BUCKLE UP AND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE ADVENTURES OF THE ATHLETES. Discovering the raw roots of cliff diving in Guatemala’s rugged terrain In 2023, three icons of the Red Bull Cliff ­Diving World Series – Rhiannan Iffland, Jonathan ­Paredes and Orlando Duque – ventured deep into the wild landscapes of Guatemala to complete the first-ever cliff dives at three remote natural locations.

Travelling more than 1,500 kilometres by car and boat through dense jungle and rugged terrain, the trio navigated towering limestone walls at the Rio Dulce, climbed above the volcanic waters of Lake Atitlán and rappelled into position between the roaring cascades of Los Amates Waterfalls.

With narrow landing zones, powerful ­currents and hours spent assessing safety in raw, ­unpredictable environments, the expedition captured the adventurous heart of cliff diving – a sport defined not only by precision in the air, but by exploration, resilience and a deep connection to nature in some of the world’s most b ­ reathtaking settings – watch the full movie here.

For the extended story click here.

Follow the divers on their exciting ventures as they explore spectacular sites in lush and wild areas on our YouTube channel.

JUST IMAGINE IT: THE WORLD'S ELITE CLIFF DIVERS SOARING TO HEIGHTS OF UP TO 27 METRES ABOVE WILD WATERS. IT’S AN INCREDIBLE DISPLAY OF SKILL, CONCENTRATION AND AUDACITY!

In 2026, 12 exceptionally ­talented men and 12 ­fearlessly brave women captivate ­audiences worldwide. Their three seconds of free fall redefine the ­boundaries of human ­capability as they execute increasingly complex dives with unparalleled precision.

This isn't just a sport; it's an art form. Aesthetic free falls that push the limits of what is physically possible. Imagine the adrenaline rush of watching these athletes reach speeds in excess of 85 km/h, defying both gravity and expectation.

The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is not just a ­competition, but an electrifying experience that keep spectators on the edge of their seats. Set against the backdrop of natural wonders, vibrant urban landscapes and ­secluded venues, it's a g ­ lobal spectacle that captivates ­thousands of spectators on site and on screen.

MEDIA & CREATORS INFO & ASSETS

MEDIA INFO

Cliff diving is an incredibly pure sport that never fails to amaze, and it is this that makes it so special. As the oldest extreme sport in the world, it remains as popular as ever, spreading its unique spirit around the globe.

↑ Get ready for the ultimate experience, because this isn’t just about dry interviews!

At most venues, media representatives and content creators can get involved in the action during the World Series stops. They can take part in an action-packed diving workshop and put their knee stability and fear of heights to the test on the 27-metre high platform.

OUTCOME NUMBERS 2025 901 MILLION ­IMPRESSIONS across web, TV, social and print outlets

53 MILLION ENGAGEMENTS across Red Bull managed

­channels, more than 3.3 billion video views

15.1 K MEDIA ITEMS in 1.9 k outlets in more than 100 countries

1.649 TV NEWS

526 PICTURES

­airings across ­international networks

in news agencies

21 LIVE AND/ OR ­HIGHLIGHT ­PROGRAMME TAKERS

122 MEDIA & 42 CONTENT ­CREATORS onsite

Discover the world of e ­ ditorial cliff diving!

Welcome to the Red Bull Cliff Diving Newsroom, your o ­ ne-stop shop for the latest e­ ditorial ­c ontent. Here, you'll find a ­treasure trove of high-quality HD videos and stunning i­mages, ready for use across various media channels. Whether you're working in television, film, print, radio or podcasts, you'll have everything you need to bring your editorial projects to life. Best of all, it's all free! Just ­register to gain instant access to a world of possibilities.

Red Bull Cliff Diving Newsroom redbullcliffdivingnewsroom.com

1. SIGN UP! You can now search for content. redbullcliffdivingnewsroom.com 2. FIND. Your desired content can be found using several options. You can search specifically using the dropdown menus and editorial sections, or you can search the full text.

3. USE. Download your favourite content in your preferred format. All products are available in HD.

Get in touch media@redbullcliffdiving.com

NEWSROOM

CREATOR SCHEDULE

IMMERSIVE ACCESS, ­AUTHENTIC ­MOMENTS, AND UNIQUE ­PERSPECTIVES FROM INSIDE THE WORLD OF RED BULL CLIFF DIVING. This program is designed for creators who want to dive deeper than the surface – immersing themselves in the sport, engaging with ­athletes, and embracing the full event ­environment.

From behind-the-scenes access to shared moments with competitors and local experiences, creators are invited to step inside the world of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series and capture perspectives few ever get to experience.

DIRECT ACCESS TO THE SPORT → Platform walk (where location and setup allow) → Introductory diving workshop with guidance from a professional diver (subject to weather and safety conditions)

INTERACTION WITH ATHLETES → Meet and connect with Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series athletes → Opportunity for 1:1 conversations, interviews, or collaborative content (pre-aligned)

CONTENT CREATION OPPORTUNITIES → Access to unique vantage points (platform, water, boats, cliffs, etc., subject to availability) → Capture live competition moments and behind-the-scenes perspectives → Possibility to request event footage or clip-outs for storytelling → Dedicated time slots and on-site support for content production (pre-planned)

PREMIUM EVENT EXPERIENCE → Priority viewing (FORB area) for all competition rounds (where location and setup allow)

CULTURAL & LOCAL IMMERSION → Curated opportunities to explore the destination (food, landmarks, scenery) → Location-specific activities (e.g. boat tours, hikes, biking, water sports)

COMMUNITY & LIFESTYLE MOMENTS → Group activities with fellow creators → Social moments such as dinners, afterparties, or exclusive event experiences Note: Activities are subject to location, ­weather, and safety conditions and may vary from stop to stop.

EDITORIAL ASSETS -14

Products per stop

-10

-3

-2

-1

Event

Pre Event Release

Teaser Release

Quotes & Story of the Day

The Day in Bullet Points

News Release

Teaser Pictures

Location & Lifestyle Pictures

ˇ Clips event trailer, winning dives, best of, judges highest scores ˇ Live recording Round 1, 2 and 3 on YouTube ˇ News cuts – 16x9 (pre news, national & international news, regional selects), 9x16 (social news cut) ˇ Athletes’ clip out ˇ Trailer (52 min, 26 min ­ programmes) ˇ 52 min Highlight recap ˇ 26 min programme editorial topic

Extras throughout the year ˇ Generic sports clips ˇ Social media clips ˇ Pre- and off-season content ˇ Special activations and athletes’ projects

+3

+5

Quotes of the Day Results

Round 1-3 Action & Pictures Podium Pictures YouTube LIVE

YouTube Red Bull TV LIVE

Pre News Cut

News Cut & Selects Winning Dives Clip

Event Trailer

MOVING

+1

STILL ˇ Location | Lifestyle ˇ Action | Sequences ˇ Preparation | Portraits

Additional Pictures

52 min Highlight Best Moments Clip

Highest Scoring Dives Clip

EDITORIAL ˇ Announcement release ˇ Daily wrap ups and insights ˇ News release ˇ Quotes All-purpose editorial content ˇ Athletes’ profiles ˇ Judges’ profiles ˇ Info graphics ˇ Feature stories

Media Service – Throughout the season, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series offers the media a variety of rich and distinctive content and formats, including moving and still images, editorial texts, and bespoke content. A skilled team of photographers, TV crews, and news, digital, and social editors produce and distribute editorial content, news, pictures, stories, audio, and TV footage to the international media.

They provide background and in-depth information, ­bringing the sport closer to a wider audience.

Freedom of flight – after spending a year "at home" during the pandemic, the divers, ­including Romania’s Constantin Popovici, experienced a sense of liberation when they took off from the eight-storey platform in Saint Raphael, France, showcasing the ­human-versus-nature ­proportions in a remarkable way.

ENCYCLOPAEDIA A

Acapulco In Acapulco, Mexico, pearl divers started diving from the cliffs of La Quebrada in the 1930s to find the biggest and most valuable pearls. Legend has it that they jumped from great heights.

While the figure 36 metres is inscribed into the top of the cliff, many people talk about dives in excess of 40 metres.

In fact, the highest point on site is 25.90 metres above sea level.

Age In 2026, the age range within the permanent athletes is between 19 and 41 years.

B

Blind Entry The last time the diver sees the water is at least half a somersault before entry and hence lines up “blind”.

Braking distance The braking distance for a high dive from 27 m is approximately 4 m after entry into the water.

C

Chamois The chamois or ‘shammy’ is a small towel that serves a few purposes. It keeps the divers’ body dry before a dive. This is important because the hands and

legs need to be dry to not slip out of position in the air. At the same time, the athletes try to keep their hands wet – in the same way that some people wet the tips of their fingers to turn the pages of a book.In case of low temperatures, the divers try to keep warm by drying their bodies with the chamois. It’s dry again as soon as you squeeze the water out of the towel.

Champions Between 2009 and 2025 the World Series has crowned eight different champions: Orlando Duque (1), Gary Hunt (11), Artem Silchenko (1), Jonathan Paredes (1), Constantin Popovici (1) and Aidan Heslop (1) in the men’s, Rachelle Simpson (2) and Rhiannan Iffland (9) in the women’s.

Chilly windy A weather condition sometimes experienced at World Series events: chilly temperatures and windy weather. The term was coined by Michal Navratil, a Czech diver from the original line up, and has turned into regular World Series lingo.

D

Degree of Difficulty The Degree of Difficulty of a

dive is evaluated based on the ­following criteria: take-off; number of somersaults and twists; position during the somersaults; and entry into the water. From 2024, the World Series has adopted a new Degree of Difficulty table in response to recent developments in the sport.

E

Equipment No ­equipment is needed.

The simple essence of cliff diving is falling freely from great heights while ­performing the most appealing ­acrobatics. It’s pure.

It’s fast, it takes your breath away, and these are the main reasons why so many people are intrigued by the sport.

Evolution Improvement and evolution are two of the most important aspects of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.

As well as offering ­mesmerising ­diving action, the World Series aims to push the boundaries of the sport.

By bringing together the best in the field and providing them with a consistent platform height and set number of competitions, it broke new boundaries in its very first year. Gary Hunt’s triple ­somersault with four twists, known as the 'Triple Quad', was

the first dive designed specifically for cliff diving. The sport has continued to evolve since 2009, with intense off-season preparation and the introduction of a Women’s World Series in 2014. The 17th season will feature more ­spellbinding action from up to 27 metres.

F

Female competition The first all-female Red Bull Cliff Diving ­competition took place in Malcesine, Italy, in July 2013. Anna Bader of Germany won. The Women's World Series was introduced the following year.

Free fall During a dive from 27 m, the a ­ thletes have about three seconds of free fall in which to perform their spectacular movements before they break the water.

G

G-force The G-force value increases to around 10 at the highest point, meaning the divers experience a force equal to ten times their own weight.

H

Height High diving competitions are generally held at heights ranging from 20-22 metres for female and

26-28 metres for male divers. 26.5 metres – the minimum height in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series for a men’s competition – is the equivalent of an eight-storey building.

Heroes Outstanding achievements, broken records, and ­unforgettable ­moments – cliff diving has its heroes, like King K ­ ahekili, Lucy Wardle, Laso Schaller, Orlando Duque or Gary Hunt. Also ­Rhiannan Iffland, the Australian wildcard who won 5 of 7 competitions in her debut season to become the women’s ­c hampion in 2016; in 2025 she ­s ecured her ninth ­c onsecutive ­overall title.

High Scores All tens from the judges to score 156.00 points - Gary Hunt and Constantin Popovici accomplished the first ever perfect dives in the history of the World Series in 2019.

Three more athletes added their names to this elite group in 2021: Rhiannan Iffland, Carlos Gimeno and Catalin Preda.

I

Impact The force of the impact is nine times harder than from the 10-metre platform and can be compared with running full speed into a wall.

J

Judges An ­international panel of five judges assess each dive. They consider take-off, position in the air and water entry and they award scores from 0 to 10.

K

Kahekili In the 1770s, Kahekili, the last independent king of Maui, indulged in cliff diving.

KAMEHAMEHA In the 19th century, the Hawaiian King ­Kamehameha, was the first to allow the ­organisation of cliff diving c­ ontests with defined rules to determine the best and bravest athlete.

Kaunolu The holy cliffs of Kaunolu, on the southwestern part of the Hawaiian island of Lanai, are considered the birthplace of this majestic sport.

L

Lele Kawa Lele Kawa is a Hawaiian expression, that means ‘leaping feetfirst from a high cliff into water without making a splash’. Kahekili used it as an initiation rite for his warriors.

Live In 2026, all stops of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series will be live on redbullcliffdiving. com, Red Bull TV and YouTube.

Locations Bali (INA), St. Petersburg (USA), ­Copenhagen (DEN), ­Mostar (BIH), Polignano a Mare (ITA) and Muscat (OMA) blend untouched natural ­landscape with iconic urban settings in 2026.

M

Maximum height The maximum height for competitions in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is 22 m | 72 ft for the women and 28 m | 92 ft for the men. Higher dives offer almost no time benefit and the risk of injury increases disproportionately due to the rapid acceleration.

them mimic the dive, recreate it in their heads and ­visualize the movements. In the last seconds before the dive, they are completely focused, and the fear is gone.

Platform The platform must be a stable take-off board constructed with a minimum length of 1.5 m, a minimum width of 0.75 m and a rim at least 2 m beyond the vertical line.

O

Pressure The fact that the mere thought of a cliff dive in a neutral and relaxed environment causes the heart rate and body tension to rise to the same level as before the dive itself highlights the mental and physical pressure that athletes experience.

Origin Cliff diving had its origin during the 1700s in Hawaii.

P

Performance Cliff diving is a performance-based sport and everything that happens from take-off to landing requires absolute precision to score high.

Precise and athletic, MIDO’s Ocean Star 600 Chronometer with its outstanding watchmaking performances perfectly reflects the qualities required in cliff diving. An exceptional autonomy up to 80 hours

NEW The World Series will feature one new ­p ermanent diver, US diver Lisa Faulkner.

In addition, three of the six locations on the ­calendar are brand new, and the series will also travel to a new country.

Mind A lot of things go through the divers’ minds just before a dive: They rehearse the whole process mentally before stepping onto the platform. Some of

power reserve and an extraordinary accuracy, the sporty automatic timepiece is water-­ resistant up to a pressure of 20 bar (200 m / 660 ft). midowatches.com

R

Requirements The main requirements for cliff divers are an extensive technical education, many years of experience in diving or a similar acrobatic sport, as well as courage, ­­ self-confidence, ­extraordinary physical control, and the ability to make decisions within fractions of a second based on the following impulses: sight, space, time, and experience.

S

Safety Regulations for safety are a maximum height, a minimum water depth, a stable platform: a water spray at the entry area, rescue divers, paramedics as well as an ambulance onsite.

Skill Most athletes reach their maximum t­ echnical skill and mental maturity at around 30 years of age. Besides a technical education, the main prerequisite for all cliff divers is at least 10 to 15 years of training in ­diving or a similar ­acrobatic sport.

Speed From 27 m, the speed at which you enter the water is approximately 85 kph | 53 mph; an ­acceleration that compares to a ­L amborghini Murciélago.

T

Training A balanced training programme includes springboard diving, flexibility, and power training, as well as mental conditioning.

Triple Quad Gary Hunt’s triple somersault with four twists – the Triple Quad – was the first dive conceived exclusively for cliff diving.

Twist The body twists on axis whilst rotating.

The record number of twists is currently 5.

U

Under water As soon as the athletes land, they start their braking ­process under water. In less than a second the divers’ bodies decelerate from 85 kph | 53 mph to zero.

V

Vertical position It is vital to ensure that the water entry is in a perfectly vertical position to minimise the risk of injuries and water splash.

W

Water Water is the ­central element in cliff diving. The diver must be aware of key characteristics like temperature, density and colour as they approach the entry point.

Water entry The most critical part of cliff diving is entering the water.

Even if the divers break the surface of the water at a perfect v­ ertical angle, it still hurts.

Their bodies are under ­tremendous pressure, so the water feels like a wall.

Web The official website of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is redbullcliffdiving.com It contains the latest news, profiles of the divers, picture galleries, videos, and the most recent information about the locations and results of the events.

Wind The wind is ­probably the most ­important factor in whether a competition is safe. Getting hit by a gust of wind while in the air is one of the main concerns of the sports director.

Ubimet, the international weather service, ­provides the best weather ­information wherever the World Series goes.

Women’s World Series In 2014, Red Bull Cliff Diving introduced the Women’s World Series and Rachelle Simpson (USA) was crowned the first-ever f­ emale ­champion. She ­defended her title in 2015. ­Rhiannan Iffland (AUS) has dominated the sport since her wildcard title in 2016. Over the past ­eleven seasons, 46 divers from 17 countries have participated.

World Aquatics In April 2012 World Aquatics, formerly known as FINA, included high diving as a professional sport.

Z

Zero protection Cliff divers rely solely on their experience to protect themselves. Their a ­ bility to dive is their only ­protection against injury.

← Official Website

“Once we got down there, I was stunned by the beauty of this place. When I first looked at it and they said that's where you're diving from, I thought they were joking. I thought that was surely much higher than 30 meters. I was kind of scared. Once I was up on

the top, I started to have confidence in myself.

Now I've seen some of the clips and it looks ­massive. I look tiny standing up on that rock.

I feel proud that I managed to do it and feel very lucky that I got the occasion,” Gary Hunt on his Oman location check experience.

RED BULL CLIFF DIVING WORLD SERIES MAGAZINE 2026

Design, Layout & Graphics Zwupp – Design & Film zwupp.com

Publisher Red Bull Media House GmbH, Oberst-Lepperdinger-Straße 11-15, 5071 Wals bei Salzburg

Photography Red Bull Content Pool (Romina Amato, Vincent Curuchet, Alex Grymanis, Mauro ­Puccini, Andreas Sacherer, Dean Treml), Leon Meyer, MIDO Inc. private, Visit St. Pete.

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