Splash! TO Polignano a Mare the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Seriesthe event that combines dives in the water with dives to the heart. Now in its thirteenth edition, this appointment is now a magnet for fans of extreme sports and for the many curious ones ready to hold their breath during the long three seconds that separate the athletes from the platform to the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Polignano a Mare, a city historically linked to dives, is now synonymous with the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, hosting it from the first edition dated 2009. On the weekend of 28 and 29 June, the location that in 1928 gave birth to the great singer Domenico Modugnohe made “flying” dozens of athletes from all over the world, giving us emotions, adrenaline and lots of fun within a breathtaking frame.
At the end of the two days of competitions, the judges issued their verdict by assigning the first place of the men’s competition to the Spaniard Carlos Gimeno (403.45 points), which thanks to a series of very high level dives dominated the race without too many problems. On the second step of the podium, the Frenchman Gary Hunt (365.30 points), on the third, the Mexican Jonathan Paredes (365.05 points).
Among the women, however, the Austrian Rhiannan Iffland (six times world champion) He confirmed his supremacy by conquering the ninth Apulian victory with impeccable dives (341.60 points). Second place for the Canadian Simone Leathead (333.00 points), third for the American Lisa Faulkner (299.85 points).
But the event was really the event itself, which once confirmed all the spirit of Red Bull, undisputed leader in the organization of off limits sporting events. Invaded of athletes and lovers of the thrill (with some tourists that have happened by chance and immediately bewitched by the surprise of being catapulted into such an engaging reality), The small streets of the historic center have turned for two days into an open -air partybetween collateral activities, laughter and a lot of good food.
The Italian stage of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2025 recorded the incredible presence of approx 35 thousand spectators That, from the beaches, bridges and terraces of the buildings, they were able to enjoy a unique sport event.
Podium touched for the Italians Elisa Cosetti and Andrea Barnaba, both of them fourth in their respective categories and from this season Permanent Diver of the Red Bull Cliff World Series. The couple, united by the passion for dives, is also sentimentally together. “I am very happy to be here in Polignano a Mare,” Elisa tells us. «It is an amazing place and this race is really exciting. Being linked to Andrea by love is beautiful, but when he dived he is more afraid of when I do it!».
Andrea, tries to explain the emotion of throwing himself from a height that can be compared to that of a nine -story building.
“The adrenaline is so great and” he admits, “also fear. But we are professionals and everything is part of a routine that helps us to manage the athletic gesture with serenity, even when not everything goes in the right direction ».
The competition took place with dives from two platforms (21 meters high for women and 27 for men) and by two balconies of homes. Amazing, admiration, roar and applause accompanied all the participants (who during the flight to the Salset reached 85 km of speed), to which the public did not miss even for a moment support and encouragement.
Present, in the unconventional role of spectator, Sofia Goggia. «I am very impressed by the skills of these scammers throwing themselves into the void by such a considerable height is absolutely impressive. Even the sport that I practice is adrenaline, but at least we almost always have the feet on the ground!».
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series will return on 5 and 6 September to Monstar, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where the athletes will dive from the historic Ottomano Stari Stari Most (destroyed by the war on 9 November 1993 and then rebuilt), a symbol of the city. Waiting for them, 24 meters more down, the crystalline and icy waters of the Neretva river. As with the cliffs of Polignano a Mare, the Stari Most bridge is famous for dives. The first historical registration of a competition dates back to 1664! Appointment, therefore, in three months. Ready to see these dives “get back your wings”?
Source: Vanity Fair
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